The name Richard Nixon is synonymous with corruption, betrayal and one of the most infamous political acts in American history. On Aug. 9, 1974, he resigned as president of the United States, shrouded in controversy in the aftermath of the notorious Watergate scandal. This year, the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis opened its 42nd season with the regional premiere of “Frost/Nixon”, written by Oscar-nominated screenwriter Peter Morgan (scribe of the 2006 film The Queen).

The play is about former President Richard M. Nixon (played by Keith Jochin) and variety talk show host David Frost (played by Jeff Talbot). Frost wants to take an unexpected turn from celebrity to serious journalist by interviewing the disgraced politician in 1977. What follows are scenes of intense dialogues establishing Frost’s effort to break Nixon for the sake of his career, while Nixon uses the interviews to reestablish his reputation.

This audacious story plays out with remarkable direction from Steven Woolf. His production transfers the audience to a time when the media first began running the country with exploitative entertainment crossed with political intrigue, a topic still relevant in today’s culture.

With the use of television screens, television cameras and a set familiar to a 1970s variety show, the most television addicted viewer can get caught up in this cutthroat presentation of political broadcasting. Nixon was one of the first presidential candidates involved in a televised debate, decidedly losing against John F. Kennedy.

Jochin brilliantly portrays the title character in his second stab as the infamous president (a world tour of Nixon’s Nixon was his first). Jochin does not rely on imitation. Instead, he embodies a troubled man and former president pursuing his lost honor while attempting to keep his dignity.

With scenes involving Nixon’s characteristic ramblings, Jochin wonderfully portrays these moments in a rambling, almost senile manner that calls to mind that elderly relative waxing nostalgic about the past.

Through familiarity, the audience, despite the initial annoyance, cannot help but love him. This contrasts heavily with the portrayal of Frost (Talbot), established here as a TV host out for money, which at first brings the audience over to Nixon’s side.

Not until a phone conversation later in the production does the conflict become more passionate. It is made evident that the two media manipulators are clashing in their quest for similar goals.

They both intend on improving their careers at the other man’s expense. The two actors, with a bitter subtext of “may the best man win” masterfully play out this scene.

One other particular performance that stood out was Matt Landers as talent agent “Swifty” Lazar. He is memorable in this small role as the sleazy deal-maker. This combination of great casting and directing makes the production work.

Such a representation of Peter Morgan’s Tony-winning play is a remarkable accomplishment. By the final interview, you, as a member of the audience, are intently waiting, as the many Americans 30 years ago waited, for the guilty confession that hardly ever came.