The production will begin performances at the Duke of York’s Theatre from the 6th February 2024.
It has been announced that Thomas Ostermeier’s reimagined of Henrik Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People, originally produced at Schaubühne Berlin will be heading to the West End next year.
The production will see Thomas Ostermeier making his West End debut, directing Matt Smith who will be playing the role of Dr Stockmann in the production which will officially open at the Duke of York’s on the 20th February 2024.
Since September 1999 Thomas Ostermeier has been the resident director and member of the Artistic Direction of the Schaubühne Berlin. His most recent productions for the company include An Enemy of the People, Death in Venice and The Little Foxes – audience award of the Theatergemeinde Berlin.
Meanwhile, Matt Smith’s recent theatre credits include Lungs (The Old Vic), Unreachable, Fresh Kills (Royal Court Theatre) and American Psycho (Almeida Theatre). His television work includes House of the Dragon (as series regular Daemon Targaryen), The Crown (as Prince Philip), Bert and Dickie, Christopher and His Kind and the title role in Doctor Who.
Full casting and creative team for this production, which has been adapted by Thomas Ostermeier and Florian Borchmeyer, will be announced soon.
When Dr Stockmann makes an unbelievable discovery about the healing waters in his local baths, he holds the future of the town in his hands, but those with everything to lose refuse to accept his word. As the battle goes beyond contaminated water, barriers are broken in this contemporary production as Ostermeier shows us why this perennial classic will be relevant forever.
Talking about the news Matt Smith said: “Thomas Ostermeier pushes the form and boundaries of theatre; I have been a fan for quite some time. Seeing his Richard III with Lars Erdinger was electric. When I heard he was interested in coming to the British stage for the first time, with Ibsen’s classic An Enemy of the People I was delighted to say the least. It is an honour to be able to work with him on this great play and become part of this unique project. We’re beginning an exciting casting process, and I very much look forward to returning to The Duke of York’s Theatre early next year.”
Thomas Ostermeier added, “As we face the immediate impact of climate change and global warming, and our seeming incapacity to change these burning threats, Ibsen’s An Enemy of the People is unfortunately more relevant than ever. This is an urgent reason to create an English version of the production for London, and I look forward to collaborating with Matt Smith, an actor whose body of work I greatly admire.”
To sign up for priority access on 20th September please register at www.anenemyofthepeople.co.uk Public on sale is on 21st September.