I am eager to see how Rodney Rogers interprets Ibsen’s play for modern audiences. In Ibsen’s original play the character of Dr. Stockmann is subjected to the slings and arrows of the “tyranny of the majority” when he steadfastly defends the need to speak the truth. Stockmann's struggle to be heard over the shouts of the majority is sadly all too familiar still today. In a world dominated by bumper sticker politics and for profit journalism Ibsen's message is highly relevant.
Speaking before a jeering crowd Dr. Stockman proclaims that,
“The most dangerous enemy of truth and freedom amongst us
is the compact majority--yes, the damned compact Liberal
majority--that is it! Now you know!”
Moments later the doctor continues,
The majority never has right on its side. Never, I
say! That is one of these social lies against which an
independent, intelligent man must wage war. Who is it that
constitute the majority of the population in a country? Is it the
clever folk, or the stupid? I don't imagine you will dispute the
fact that at present the stupid people are in an absolutely
overwhelming majority all the world over. But, good Lord!--you
can never pretend that it is right that the stupid folk should
govern the clever ones I (Uproar and cries.) Oh, yes--you can
shout me down, I know! But you cannot answer me. The majority has
might on its side--unfortunately; but right it has not. I am in
the right--I and a few other scattered individuals. The minority
is always in the right. (Renewed uproar.)
Below is a clip from Arthur Miller’s 1966 adaptation of the play.
I found some of the statements Bill Moyers made in 2008. He speaks about how democracy only works when ordinary people claim it as their own. So it's up to you to tell the truth about this country we love. It's up to you to tell the truth about what's happening to ordinary people. It's up to you to remind us that democracy only works when ordinary people claim it as their own.
City Paper review of the play:
http://www.charlestoncitypaper.com/gyrobase/Content?oid=oid%3A66116
