Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents director Bart DeLorenzo’s
powerful new adaptation of Enemy of the People
LOS ANGELES (July 14, 2026) — Director Bart DeLorenzo brings Henrik Ibsen’s Enemy of the People squarely into the 21st century with a bold new adaptation that thrusts the play’s central conflicts—between public health and economic survival, individual conscience and collective will—into sharp contemporary focus. The Odyssey Theatre Ensemble production opens August 22, with performances continuing through September 27 at the Odyssey’s home in West L.A. Three low-priced previews precede the opening on August 19, 20 and 21.
Ripping Ibsen’s classic out of the 19th century, DeLorenzo relocates the action to America in 2026, where battles over public health, economic survival, misinformation and political polarization have become defining features of American life.
When Dr. Tom Stockmann discovers that the waters of the local hot springs are contaminated, the solution seems obvious: shut them down before more people are harmed. But protecting public health comes with a devastating price. As financial interests, political expediency and public opinion collide, Stockmann finds himself branded not a hero, but an “enemy of the people.”
“This is not a simple story of one righteous man facing off against a corrupt society,” says DeLorenzo. “Every single character in this play is flawed and forced to compromise their values in profound ways. Ibsen exposes a society in freefall that feels astonishingly close to our own, where nearly every issue, from public health to immigration, becomes another battleground in an increasingly polarized culture.”
The Odyssey cast includes Jay Paulson as Dr. Stockmann; Jason McBeth as his brother, the town mayor; Cara Mitsuko as his wife, Kate; Dennis Dun as his father-in-law, Martin Kiel; DeJuan Christopher and Clay Hollander as the editor and reporter of local news site The People’s Voice; and Lauren Campedelli as the news site’s wealthy backer.
The creative team includes scenic and costume designer Frederica Nascimento, lighting designer W. Alejandro Melendez and sound designer Jonathan Flikkie. The stage manager is Katie Chabot. Beth Hogan produces for Odyssey Theatre Ensemble. The production is supported, in part, by Isabel and Harvey Kibel.
Ibsen wrote Enemy of the People after the firestorm surrounding his groundbreaking drama Ghosts, which scandalized audiences by openly discussing adultery, venereal disease and the hypocrisy of respectable society. Vilified by critics and moralists alike, Ibsen responded with a play about what happens when someone speaks an uncomfortable truth—and discovers that facts alone are rarely enough to change minds.
Founded in 1969 by the late Ron Sossi, a visionary leader of Los Angeles’ intimate theater movement, the Odyssey Theatre Ensemble has spent more than five decades championing fearless, adventurous work. Today, the company continues that legacy with productions that challenge audiences and ignite conversation.
Performances of Enemy of the People take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. from August 22 through September 27, with one additional performance on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m. Prior to opening, there will be three previews on Wednesday, Aug. 19; Thursday, Aug. 20; and Friday, Aug. 21 each at 8 p.m. Tickets to performances are $35, except opening weekend (August 22 and August 23) for which tickets are $40 and include a post-performance reception; and previews, which are $20. Discounted tickets are available for seniors ($27) and students ($15). A $3 fee will be added to each ticket purchased with a credit card.
Scheduled post-performance talkbacks take place on Friday, Aug. 28 with Oliver Jai’Sen Mayer, USC Professor of Playwriting; Friday, Sept. 4 with David Davila, LMU Professor of Playwriting; Sunday, Sept. 6 with Romain Ranciere, USC Professior of Economics; Friday, Sept. 11 with Gary Yeritsyan, UCLA Professor of Sociology; and Wednesday, Sept. 16 with Hajar Yazdiha, USC Professor of Sociology.
The Odyssey Theatre is located at 2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90025. For more information and to purchase tickets, call (310) 477-2055 or go to OdysseyTheatre.com.
Details for Calendar Listings
Enemy of the People
WHAT:
Odyssey Theatre Ensemble presents director Bart DeLorenzo’s contemporary adaptation of Henrik Ibsen’s Enemy of the People. When a doctor discovers his town’s hot springs are contaminated, his attempt to expose the truth pits him against powerful interests—and transforms him into an “enemy of the people.”
WHO:
• Written by Henrik Ibsen
• Adapted and Directed by Bart DeLorenzo
• Starring Lauren Campedelli, DeJuan Christopher, Dennis Dun, Clay Hollander, Jason McBeth, Cara Mitsuko, Jay Paulson
• Produced by Beth Hogan
• Supported, in part, by Isabel and Harvey Kibel
• Presented by Odyssey Theatre Ensemble, Beth Hogan, artistic director
WHEN:
Aug. 19–Sept. 27
• Previews: Aug. 19–Aug. 21: Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 8 p.m.
• Performances: Aug. 22–Sept. 27: Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. / Sundays at 3 p.m. / Wednesday, Sept. 16 at 8 p.m.
WHERE:
Odyssey Theatre
2055 S. Sepulveda Blvd.
Los Angeles, CA 90025
TICKET PRICES:
$15–$40
(A $3 fee will be added to each ticket purchased with a credit card.)
POST-PERFORMANCE TALKBACKS::
• Friday, Aug. 28 with Oliver Jai’Sen Mayer, USC Professor of Playwriting
• Friday, Sept. 4 with David Davila, LMU Professor of Playwriting
• Sunday, Sept. 6 with Romain Ranciere, USC Professior of Economics
• Friday, Sept. 11 with Gary Yeritsyan, UCLA Professor of Sociology
• Wednesday, Sept. 16 with Hajar Yazdiha, USC Professor of Sociology.
HOW:
OdysseyTheatre.com
(310) 477-2055 ext. 2
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