LBCC students tackle historic censorship case in “Inherit the Wind”

LBCC’s Performing Arts Department will present “Inherit the Wind” at the Bob and Barbara Ellis Auditorium from Thursday through Sunday and LBCC students with ASB stickers can see the play for free.

The play will run at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday through Saturday, with a 2 p.m. run on Saturday and Sunday. 

Students with ASB stickers must go to the box office to redeem their free entry, but tickets cost $10 for students without ASB stickers, seniors and staff. General admission tickets are $15.

“Inherit the Wind” addresses topics that remain relevant in the current political landscape of the world, even a century after the date of the original 1920s Supreme Court case the play is based on.

_{Nicholas Rout-Vasquez, left, and Allen Sewell discuss the court’s sentence as Bertram Cates and Mr. Drummond during the dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of “Inherit The Wind”, at the LAC auditorium. (Asa Liberty)}

When asked about why this play was chosen, director Tony Carreiro drew parallels between the main conflict of the play and some of the controversies in today’s time regarding censorship.

“We’ve made some adjustments to make it more modern. You’ll see what I mean more towards the end,” Carreiro said.

To spark the trial, a public school teacher was found guilty of spreading the ideas of Charles Darwin’s evolution theory, which was banned due to the fact it went against the teachings of the church.

The prosecution is led by Matthew Harrison Brady, played by Jeff Paul, a devout Christian man and beloved figure in the country, whilst the defense is led by Henry Drummond, played by Allen Sewell, an equally recognized man known for his agnostic beliefs.

_{Jeff Paul, left, is sworn in by Daniel Salazar as Mr. Brady and Mr. Meeker during the dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of “Inherit The Wind” at the LAC auditorium on Tuesday. (Rafael Gomez)}

The play represented many of the beliefs Americans had during the early 1900s, and connects many of them to similar beliefs held by parts of America today.

Every actor and actress displayed a hint of lightheartedness even with the serious overtone of the story.

_{Paola Ovalle, left and Allen Sewell play Rachel Brown and Mr. Drummond during the dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of “Inherit The Wind” at the LAC auditorium on Tuesday. (Asa Liberty)}

Jaden Jones, who plays the mayor, said, “It’s really easy being somebody who isn’t myself, because it helps with my anxiety.”

The stage crew was just as determined with moving set pieces, scene transitions and sound design, setting the stage for court hearings and town celebrations.

“The stage crew part and the camaraderie are really what make it fun for me,” stagehand Ethan Bartee said.

_{Jaylen Ferrera gives a sermon as Reverend Jeremiah Brown during the dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of “Inherit The Wind”, at the LAC auditorium on Tuesday. (Rafael Gomez)}

_{Kayla Rubio, center, gives praise as Ms. Bannister during the dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of “Inherit The Wind”, at the LAC auditorium on Tuesday. (Asa Liberty)}

_{Jeff Paul, center, is pulled out of the courtroom as Prosecutor Matt Brady while others assist him during the dress rehearsal for LBCC’s production of “Inherit The Wind”, at the LAC auditorium on Tuesday. (Rafael Gomez)}