Kenyon students, faculty and staff will join fellow members of the Knox County community in a special production of Henrik Ibsen’s “An Enemy of the People.” Adapted and directed by Bryan Doerries ’98 H'17, a dramatic reading of the 19th century play will serve as a foundation for discussion of contemporary public health issues. Doerries is the co-founder of Theater of War Productions, and he has spent years crafting and guiding town hall-style discussions to help audiences and communities grapple with trauma — racism, war, sexual violence, substance abuse and more. 

The event will take place on Saturday, April 6, at 6 p.m. at Knox Memorial Theater, 112 E. High St., Mount Vernon, and again on Kenyon's campus on Sunday, April 7, at 4 p.m. in Oden Hall Auditorium. 

Attend in Person or Virtually

Both events are free and open to the public. If you are planning to attend in person, you can reserve seating in advance. If you prefer to attend virtually, you can register to join via Zoom.

reserve a seat   register to join virtually

Shuttle Service to Mount Vernon is available for students who register.

The event is presented by Theater of War Productions, Kenyon College and the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County with support from the Mount Vernon Arts Consortium.

Theater of War: An Enemy of the People: A Theater Project from America's Hometown

Featuring

  • David Strathairn, actor ("Nomadland," "Lincoln," "The Bourne Ultimatum")
  • Elizabeth Marvel, actor ("Homeland," "Burn After Reading," "Love & Death")
  • Bill Camp, actor ("The Queen's Gambit," "The Night Of," "Joker")
  • Bryan Doerries '98 H'17, artistic director at Theater of War Productions
  • Julie Kornfeld, president of Kenyon College
  • Matthew T. Starr, mayor of Mount Vernon
  • Marjolaine Goldsmith, company manager at Theater of War Productions
  • Wendy MacLeod '81, James Michael Playwright-in-Residence and professor of drama at Kenyon College
  • Jon Tazewell '84, Thomas S. Turgeon Professor of Drama and Film at Kenyon College
  • Osose Omofomah '26, Kenyon College student
  • John K. Chidester, director of the Public Library of Mount Vernon and Knox County
  • Peter Marks, former chief theater critic of the Washington Post

Supported by the Bicentennial Special Projects Fund

The Special Projects Fund invites the creativity and participation of the Kenyon community to commemorate the College's bicentennial year.