In a captivating and timely new production, actors Jeremy Strong and Michael Imperioli take the stage in a revival of Henrik Ibsen's 1882 social drama, "An Enemy of the People." Broadway review by Adam Feldman highlights the powerful performances and the play's modern relevance.

Jeremy Strong, known for his role in the hit series "Succession," found personal resonance in the character of Thomas Stockmann, the maligned and besieged hero of the play. Drawing parallels to his own experiences, Strong explained that his decision to take on the role was a response to the fallout from a divisive profile published in a 2021 magazine article. He wanted to channel his emotions into his work and convey a sense of betrayal similar to what Ibsen felt while writing the play.

As Stockmann, Strong portrays a steadfast yet aggrieved character who uncovers the presence of deadly bacteria in the spa water of a small Norwegian resort town. Refusing to back down from his findings, even when they threaten to destroy the town's economy, Stockmann becomes alienated from the locals at every level. The cast includes Michael Imperioli as the imperious and contemptuous mayor, Victoria Pedretti as Stockmann's supportive daughter, Caleb Eberhardt as a fiery local socialist newspaper editor, and other talented performers.

Director Sam Gold's revival of "An Enemy of the People," adapted by Amy Herzog, embraces Stockmann's perspective and highlights the issue of pollution, both in the environment and in public discourse. The production's pivotal scene, set in a bright corporate space, features a public meeting where Stockmann tries to share his findings directly with the populace. Gold breaks away from naturalism and incorporates elements of environmental theater, involving the audience as part of the meeting.

In this modern reinterpretation, the play tackles pressing issues like climate change and contaminated public discourse. Feldman notes that the scene received additional attention when climate change protesters interrupted a recent press preview, effectively making the same point about the urgency of environmental concerns.

The article highlights the revival's ability to confront real social ills while emphasizing Stockmann's imperfect yet essential role as a passionate crusader. Strong's performance resonates with his righteous indignation and occasional rhetorical missteps, reflecting the contemporary emphasis on optics in public discourse.

The production's in-the-round seating at the Circle in the Square amplifies the intensity of the public meeting scene, with Imperioli's mayor emerging as the boss of the mob and the entire crowd complicit in the protagonist's dismissal. The scene's conclusion leaves a chilling impact.

While acknowledging that other productions may have explored counterarguments and personality conflicts more compellingly, Feldman asserts that none have delved as deeply into the underlying themes of contamination, both in the environment and in public discourse.

The revival presents a plea to the audience, reminding them of the importance of valuing truth and envisioning a future where clean water and the truth prevail. As Strong's Stockmann poignantly concludes, "We just have to imagine."

"An Enemy of the People" featuring Jeremy Strong, Michael Imperioli, and a talented cast, is currently running at Circle in the Square on Broadway.