DECATUR, Ill. – Millikin University’s School of Theatre & Dance proudly presents the student production of Christopher Chen’s “Passage” at the Virginia Rogers Theatre on October 17-20, 2024.
Performances are daily from Thursday, Oct. 17 until Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. and on Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2 p.m. at the Virginia Rogers Theatre in the Center for Theatre and Dance on Millikin’s campus. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased through kirklandfinearts.com or by calling 217.424.6318.
The production, directed by Denise Myers, is inspired by E.M. Forster’s “A Passage to India,” a 1924 novel set against the backdrop of British colonial rule and the Indian independence movement in the 1920s. “Passage” is set in the fictional Country X, a neocolonial client of Country Y. A local doctor and an expat teacher try to cultivate a new friendship, but the past and present collide in this complex geopolitical landscape.
Millikin senior Theatre and Performance Studies major Kerrigan Dunham serves as the dramaturg for “Passage.”
“Dramaturgy is all about researching the origin, history, and context of the work you are doing,” Kerrigan said. “The original context the work was created in, background about the author, influences, to get the specific information you need to know as a director, designer or actor to properly tell the story you are telling. Ultimately, it is finding why you are choosing to produce this work at this moment in time.”
A lot of Kerrigan’s work on the production was done during the summer as he read up on Christopher Chen's critically acclaimed play and the inspiring work.
“I dove into ‘A Passage to India,’ and it focused on British imperialism in India, but the interesting thing about ‘Passage’ is that it is scripted to take place in a fictional world with two fictional countries – Country X and Country Y – therefore intentionally letting you apply it to anywhere, and the time frame is ambiguous present day,” Kerrigan said. “The play is at its core very realistic and a complex work. Audiences should expect that their views and beliefs be brought to the forefront. The play and the actors will literally ask you questions and prompt you to think about things you may have never thought about.”
As the cast takes part in its final rehearsals for “Passage,” Kerrigan is eager to see the reaction to a show that will challenge the audience.
“I cannot wait for the student body and general audiences to see what we have been working on. It is one of the most impactful and meaningful plays I’ve worked on,” Kerrigan said. “The play is so rich in its themes and message that I’m so excited to watch and hear people’s reactions and experiences. It’s an important piece, and I’m delighted that we have been able to produce it here at Millikin.”
“Passage” is presented by an arrangement with Dramatists Play Service (dramatists.com).
