In the Penal Colony

The Court Theatre, in collaboration with A Contemporary Theatre in Seattle, presents the world premiere of In the Penal Colony, a new music-theater work by Philip Glass, based on the story by Franz Kafka. A traveler visits a remote tropical island to observe the unique methods practiced at a penal colony there. When the officer in charge demonstrates the Harrow, an elaborate machine for capital punishment, both men’s theories on crime and correction, mercy and justice are put to the ultimate test. JoAnne Akalaitis directs this haunting and utterly original work for two singers, three actors, and a string quartet.

$9 student rush tickets can be purchased at the box office 1 hour before curtain for all performances (subject to availability).