South play springs to life in Enemy
by Mary Barrera, south news editor

    The South Campus drama department, under the direction of Patricia McCormick, is in final preparation stages for its first play this semester.

   Written by Henrik Ibsen and adapted by Arthur Miller, An Enemy of the People is a story that challenges the character of the residents in a small town.

   The play handles issues of majority rule present in society even today.
Set in the early 1900s, a small Norwegian town has natural springs that some people believe help physical ailments.

   Dr. Thomas Stockmann, played by community actor Robert Malone, is the town physician and designer of the springs and public baths that promote tourism in the town.

   He eventually discovers that the water is contaminated and tries to correct the problem.

   Meanwhile, the town’s mayor, Peter Stockmann (Victor Sauceda, Radio-Television-Film student), who happens to be the doctor’s brother, tries to keep a lid on the situation.

   The town gets turned upside down when people have to choose between right, wrong and whatever they need to do to serve their own interests, Malone said.

   “Dr. Stockmann is headstrong and honorable. He has a duty to the truth,” he said.

   Malone described the ethical dilemma that his character faces in the play.

   “Is what’s popular always right, and is what’s right always popular?” he asked.

   Sauceda described his character, the mayor, as good-hearted but mostly interested in politics, power and money.

   “He is not really a villain. Each side has its good and bad points,” he said.

   Emily Hardy, theater arts student, portrays newspaper publisher Aslaksen.

   Aslaksen is unbiased, but ultimately wants to keep her newspaper and reputation untarnished.

   “She is a woman in a man’s world, and she doesn’t want her name ruined,” she said.

   Hovstad (David Crouch, liberal arts student) is the editor of the People’s Daily Messenger.

   He is a liberal, but becomes easily swayed when there is a chance the paper will go bust, Crouch said.

   Shannon Wright, drama student, plays Dr. Stockmann’s wife Catherine.

   “She is proud of her husband, but she struggles with backing her husband or keeping things as they are,” she said.

   Billing, played by Chris Reaves, applied arts student, is a newspaper reporter. He is a young man who goes after what he wants with conviction, Reaves said.

   Taylor Bradford, theater student, plays Petra, Dr. Stockmann’s daughter.

   “She supports her father and is willing to take chances for his cause,” she said.

   An Enemy of the People opens Wednesday, Oct. 16, and runs through Saturday, Oct. 19, with 8 p.m. performances daily and a matinee performance Thursday, Oct. 17, at 2 p.m.

   Admission for TCC students, faculty and staff is free.

   Ticket prices are $3 for senior citizens, children and other students, and $5 for general admission.

   For reservations, which are recommended, or information, contact the theater box office at 817-515-4642 or 817-515-4562.