Dan Agin: Enemies of the People: Who Are They?

Published: September 3, 2007, 6:42 pm

One hundred and twenty five years ago, in 1882, the Norwegian playwright Henrik Ibsen presented the first performance of his play, An Enemy of the People. Like many of Ibsen's plays, this play is a social commentary, a piece of literature that in addition to providing a window into human character also defines both individuals and society in sociopolitical terms. The central character is Doctor Thomas Stockmann, the Medical Officer of the municipal baths of a town whose healing waters bring droves of tourists from many countries, the tourists providing the main source of income for the town. The second half of the 19th century was a time in Europe when many people who could afford to travel believed that various springs, waters, baths, and spas could not only heal verious chronic illnesses but also prolong life. Some of these baths and spas, like Baden-Baden in Germany, brought great profit to the local people, and before long famous hotels and gambling

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