OBOC 2010-11

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In 2010, Pitt Public Health concluded its second One Book, One Community program with a movie adaptation, dramatic reading, and discussion of Henrik Ibsen’s play An Enemy of the People. All members of the Pitt Public Health community were invited to join together in reading and discussing the play during the fall term.

An Enemy of the People

The program held on November 10 included the viewing of Ganashatru, Bengali translation of An Enemy of the People, directed by famed Indian director Satyajit Ray. A reception was held following the movie and before the marquee event of a dramatic reading of the translation of the play by Nicholas Rudall and adapted by Dr. Bruce McConachie, chair of the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Theatre Arts.

The cast of the principle roles included:

          Dr. Thomas Stockmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Samuel Turich
          Mrs. Katherine Stockmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Holly Thuma
          Mayor Peter Stockmann . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Ken Bolden
           Givstad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Dennis Schebetta
          Aslaksen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bruce McConachie

Directed by Lisa Jackson-Schebetta | Produced by the University of Pittsburgh Department of Theatre Arts
A group discussion sessions led by Dr. Bruce McConachie wrapped up this culminating event.

cast and crew
The cast and crew of the production from the University of Pittsburgh's Department of Theatre Arts flanked by PITT PUBLIC HEALTH Dean Donald Burke (left) and Dr. Wes Rohrer, assistant professor (right) involved in the planning of this event.

PULL QUOTES:
“This was a great event. I thought this selection was very appropriate and enjoyed the discussion afterwards (I wish I had had a question or something to add!). It was really great to meet with other students and faculty members outside of class.”

“I enjoyed reading the play. It was a very interesting tension between the economic well being of the town and the health of the town.”

Surprised by “the relevance of the book 150 years after it was written.”

"The strongest man in the world is the man who stands most alone." I really like that quote, because as a social worker, I will encounter situations where I am the only voice, but at least I know that it will only make me stronger.

“I was surprised by the whole premise! How could an epidemic be good for business or tourism? I would l think that instead of making the doctor, an "enemy of the people" they would want him as an ally.”

“The conflict between realism and idealism.”

“Scientific knowledge is ridiculed for the sake of money - how can you ignore facts?”

“I was surprised that a play written towards the end of the 1800's is still so relevant today. I like the fact that even Dr. Stockmann was a flawed character.”

“The concept from the book that different people have different agendas. While public health is something very important to us as professionals, livelihood, money or individual freedoms could be more important to the general public.”