A Trial: After An Enemy Of The People theatre review – Veritable masterclass
Ibsen’s classic is taken one step beyond with director Christiane Jatahy and actor Wagner Moura in startling form
There is a moment, shortly before the end of A Trial, when it becomes clear why Wagner Moura has a mantelpiece heavy with awards. He has already entertained us with personal interactions (the fourth wall is broken within the first five minutes, and stays partially shattered throughout), pivoting from drama to comedy to pathos as the story unfolds. But it’s in a moment of repetition that his true mettle hits us between the eyes.
In the opening scene, Moura sits in a chair centre stage, taking on the role of Dr Thomas Stockmann, a role created by Henrik Ibsen for his 1882 play, An Enemy Of The People. In this modern-day sequel, Stockmann is awaiting trial to decide if he is indeed viewed as the enemy by his community. With the town spa infected by chemical poison, the doctor feels compelled to warn visitors of the potential serious health issues, and shut it down. But when the entire local economy is propped up by that enterprise, the consequences could be life altering in a different way.
Brazilian director Christiane Jatahy folds live action (in Portuguese), video footage shot by the Stockmann family, vox pops with concerned townspeople, and improvised audience interaction (in English) into the mix. Thomas’ daughter Petra leads his defence, while across the stage his brother Peter sits at the prosecution desk. Each is entrenched in their own version of reality: a town at risk of disease vs a town shut down by poverty, which is worse? It’s up to us to decide, or more specifically, the 11 jurors drawn from the audience who join the actors on stage.
The script, written by Jatahy, Moura and Lucas Paraizo, abounds with astute comments about social justice, but also finds space for personal recriminations. As these are thrown, past tragedies brought up and hurled like weapons, and brother squares up to brother, the passion gauge rises. Until finally, Moura leaves the stage to smoke a cigarette in the dressing room and calm down. Captured by a roving camera, he eventually returns and repeats the same opening speech. Only this time, he’s been on a journey, and the watery eyes, worn-out expression and embattled voice perfectly capture a man who, though still unshakeable in his belief, has had enough. A veritable masterclass in how to build a believable character arc.
A Trial: After An Enemy Of The People, Lyceum Theatre, until 10 August, 7.30pm; pictures: Jess Shurte.