Knox College Theatre and Dance Season Preview

The Knox College Department of Theatre and Dance 2008-09 season will feature a classic French satire," Tartuffe," by Moliere; an award-winning drama, "Intimate Apparel," about an African-American seamstress in 19th-century New York; a dance concert showcasing student choreography; and a "devised" work that combines elements of both improvised and scripted theatre.

Tickets for all performances are $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, and free to all students and members of the Knox College faculty and staff.

• "Tartuffe" directed by Neil Blackadder, associate professor of theatre, is the most frequently produced comedy by Moliere, and it continues to raise political hackles and delight audiences to this day. In a satiric turn on religious hypocrisy, a wily opportunist affects piety and gains complete sway over a gullible and rich bourgeois and his family. It caused great controversy in France after its first staging in 1664, but once the king of France, Louis XIV, authorized its performance in 1669, "Tartuffe" became a huge hit. "Tartuffe" was last performed at Knox College in 1995.
• October 24 & 25 at 7:30 p.m.; October 31 & November 1 at 8:00 p.m.

• "Beyond the Fourth Wall, directed by Lindsey Snyder, assistant professor of theatre. "Devised" theatre engages a collective ensemble to create a performance without a prior existing script, or through a new interpretation of an existing text. The performance, which also can blur the line between spectacle and the spectator, represents the culmination of a ten-week course in the process of devising.
• February 25-28, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in Harbach Theatre

• Choreography Workshop Showcase, directed by Jennifer L. Smith, assistant professor of dance and Kathleen Ridlon, assistant professor of dance. The concert will feature pieces by students developed in the Choreography Workshop course.
• May 7-9, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in Studio Theatre

• "Intimate Apparel," directed by Kelly Lynn Hogan, visiting instructor in theatre. Lynn Nottage's play won multiple awards in 2003 for its depiction of an African-American seamstress in 19th-century New York. While creating exquisite lingerie for wealthy socialites and ladies of the brothel alike, the protagonist unwittingly challenges the sexual, racial and class-based taboos of the age.
• May 20-23, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. in Harbach Theatre

"Nora," directed by Neil Blackadder, who will direct the Fall 2008 production of "Tartuffe."

Students confer during theatre rehearsal.

"Cloud 9" rehearsal with director Kelly Lynn Hogan, who will direct the Spring 2009 performance of "Intimate Apparel."

Jennifer Smith, assistant professor of dance, confers with students and visiting artists.