Purebred Apathy  

The College of Fine Arts’ production of “Enemy of the People” starts establishing 

themes before the show even begins. Windows are suspended from the ceiling and make up 

the back wall. Even the door being made of windows projects the idea that Thomas Stockmann 

and his family’s motives are transparent.  

In the next scene, Hovstad and Billing from the newspaper and Aslasken, head of the 

Homeowner’s Association, tell Thomas he has their support. Representing “the moderate”, 

Aslaksen washes her hands with hand sanitizer after every time she speaks with Thomas. 

Symbolic of how the moderate “washes their hands” of any and all controversy. The scene 

following Thomas’ confrontation with the mayor, takes place in the newspaper office. Bloody 

newspapers come down from the ceiling, blocking the windows and the transparency they 

create. Symbolizing how media muddies the truth and how those characters’ motives are not 

transparent.  

Intermission comes and when we return, it is time for the town meeting . During 

which, the audience is encouraged to interact with the characters. Having a voice that would 

not be heard because the narrative’s already been written and because of voices louder than 

mine was an especially poignant reflection of reality.  

All of the aspects of this production reinforce the director’s vision and the main theme 

of the play which is to reflect our current political climate and societal views. The props, 

scenery, costumes, and acting all support this train of thought. The puppet dance number and 

rare explicit insult thrown in addition to the original script also support this idea. However, I 

disagree with this vision. A play is meant to ​say something​ and not simply reflect reality.  
 I understand the point of the play and the message the director was going for. 

However, I question the use of his alternate ending where Thomas dies. Heroes dying, good 

men dying unjustly is not a theme or a plot point, it's a reality. And when you hear of men like 

Jemel Roberson dying on the news, it leaves you feeling hopeless. This alternate ending leaves 

the audience feeling hopeless, and hopelessness breeds apathy. Arguably, it discourages 

audience members from taking political action because, what's the point when the hero dies? 

Instead of inspiring the audience to create a world where heroes don't die, he has 

accomplished the exact opposite.  

Despite the bitter taste the alternate ending left in my mouth, I was still impressed with 

the production. The acting was phenomenal and the symbolism left me reeling. The show left 

me thoughtful and has stayed with me, although whether that is from disdain or not is 

indeterminable.