An Enemy of the People

The Teatro Real will host the world première of the operatic adaptation of Henrik Ibsen's tragedy of the same name on 12, 13, 17 and 18 February, which ends up reflecting on the risk of democracy degenerating into demagoguery. This show is conducted by Francisco Coll.

Stage managed by Àlex Rigola (23F. Anatomía de un instante, La Gaviota or Heartbreak Hotel) and the participation of the Teatro Real's resident choir and orchestra, the story tells how an honest doctor discovers that the waters of the spa, the economic pride of his community, are contaminated with dangerous bacteria. On trying to alert the population, he faces opposition from the local authorities and businessmen, who prefer to hide the truth so that it does not affect tourism revenue. Therefore, the play raises a conflict between individual ethics and joint economic interests, questioning whether truth and morality can prevail when they threaten power and money.

Born in Valencia in 1985, Francisco Coll is a director and composer whose best known pieces include Hidd’n Blue (2012), performed by ensembles like the London Symphony Orchestra and the Munich Philharmonic, and Ciudad sin Sueño (2022), inspired by texts by Federico García Lorca. He recently released the album A Portrait, which compiles 15 years of his creative evolution, including productions like Piedras and Taleas Oblicuas, performed by the New European Ensemble.

Artistic File:

• Musical Conductor - Francisco Coll
• Stage Director - Àlex Rigola
• Stage Design and Wardrobe - Patricia Albizu
• Lighting - Carlos Marquerie
• Video Creator- Álvaro Luna
• Choirmaster - José Luis Basso

Cast:

• Marta - Marta Fontanals-Simmons
• Stockmann - José Antonio López
• Mayor - Moisés Marín
• Petra - Brenda Rae
• Mario - Isaac Galán
• Orchestra  - Teatro Real Resident Orchestra and Choir

Programme:

Opera in Two Acts

• Music - Francisco Coll (1985)
• Libretto - Àlex Rigola, based on En Folkefiende (1882) by Henrik Ibsen
• Teatro Real production in co-production with the Palau de les Arts in Valencia