Läkaren (the Doctor)

A thriller about power, ethics and cancel-culture by Robert Icke

Läkaren (The Doctor) is an intriguing contemporary play that combines elements of psychological thrillers with the high stakes, high octane environment of long-standing medical dramas. The play is written by prominent British playwright Robert Icke and directed by Saana Lavaste.

Doctor Ruth Wolff is the director of a leading research institute. One day a 14-year-old girl enters the hospital- in critical condition, following a failed abortion she attempted at home. When her Catholic parents send a priest to give her spiritual care; Ruth refuses him access. The girl dies and the incident escalates into a bitter scandal focused on religious and racial discrimination.

In the eye of this media frenzy is Ruth, who is convinced that she has acted ethically. She becomes the target of a national smear campaign and is increasingly accused of a range of offences. Her workplace, life’s work and decades of pioneering medical research are suddenly at stake.

The Doctor premiered in London 2019 and is loosely based on Arthur Schnitzeler’s 1912 play Professor Bernhardi. With strong connections to modern society, cancel-culture and identity politics, the show is more relevant than ever.