Even as the first actors walked on stage for “Inherit the Wind,” the main theme of the growing rift between biblical ideals and modern scientific advancements was shoved plainly in the face of every audience member.
The play is based on the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial that argued for the theory of evolution to be taught in schools.
The set was filled with pro-Christian propaganda, with signs hanging down with phrases like “READ YOUR BIBLE” and “SAVE our SCHOOLS from SIN.”
The atmosphere is crushing and very quickly establishes who the good and bad guys are, painting the pro-Darwin side as villains in the eyes of the rest of the small town.
The set pieces and actions of the play constantly express the naivety of the townspeople, utilizing our modern knowledge of how history plays out to showcase the true “bad guys,” ultimately painting Christianity, as a whole, in an oppressive light.
It seems overplayed at times, but its historic authenticity cannot be questioned, and it thrives in the irrationality plaguing devout believers of the time.
Matthew Harrison Brady, the defender of the Christian beliefs in court, is very animated, and his descent into madness as the play progresses is chock full of the mania you’d expect from a man growing disillusioned with ideas he’s believed in his whole life.
Instead of facing questions head-on, Brady hid behind the writings of the scripture. Even when there were none left to hide behind, he still clung profusely to his ideals.
Henry Drummond, the defender of evolution in court, is undoubtedly the other titan of this play, and, with a calm and cool demeanour, slowly gained the upper hand needed to break his opponent.
Drummond kept his emotions in check until Brady lost to his own, utilizing the moment to seize control of the trial and rain down the very hellfire unto Brady that he was accused of belonging to to begin with.
The supporting cast is what ties the story together, bringing life to the background of the play, with each cast member fully immersing themselves in their roles, no matter how minor.
Every scene was filled with life by the reactions of those who filled the jury, acting as an extension of the audience, being the same spectators as those carrying a program.
This play was wonderfully performed and an absolute blast to watch, with an assortment of cast members that were complemented excellently by the set and costume designers.
From the fiery passion expressed by Brady to the calm bravado carried by Drummond, this play captured the audience with its performances and posed real questions about the state of the current world.
