Knox College Theatre Presents "The Government Inspector" and "Treacherous Journey"

Rep Term XI Web Site

History of Repertory Theatre Term

The plays are a production of Knox's Repertory Theatre Term, a unique "total-immersion" program in which students take on all aspects of a professional repertory theatre company. Rep Term, as it's known on the Knox campus, has been offered since 1970. "Rep Term gives participants a view of theatre in its broadest definition, from literature and history, to technical aspects, to performance," explains Ivan Davidson, proessor of theatre and director of "Treacherous Journey."

"The Government Inspector," one of the classics of Russian theatre, is a satire on small-town corruption and the embarrassment that results when officials strive to conceal it. The play is directed by Robert Whitlach, Seeley Professor of Theatre at Knox College. Written in 1836 by Nikolai Gogol, it is perhaps best know to American audiences from the 1949 musical film "The Inspector General," that starred Danny Kaye.

The Knox performance of "Treacherous Journey" is the English language world premiere of a drama based on the autobiography of Evgenia Ginzburg. The play is directed by Ivan Davidson, professor of theatre at Knox College, who also adapted and partially translated the script. A historian, journalist and teacher, Ginzburg was imprisoned for 18 years under Soviet tyrant Josef Stalin. The play is based on her memoirs, which tell how she was shuttled through a series of prison camps. While millions were jailed and killed under Stalin, Ginzburg's play focuses on an often overlooked group -- women -- in the Soviet prison system.

Tickets are $8 for adults, and $5 for students and senior citizens, available at the door, or in advance by calling (309) 341-8246.