The discussion will touch on faith, biology, culture and more
BARBARA NORDBY Star-Tribune staff writer | Posted: Friday, April 6, 2007 12:00 am
Some of the actors couldn't supress a smile at rehearsal. The preacher at the southern prayer meeting stood on a soapbox, delivering a fiery, Bible-waving sermon, condemning nonbelievers to "anguish and damnation."
But they got back into character fast enough to say "Amen," and plan to present "Inherit the Wind" as a serious look at the conflict between the theory of evolution and creationism.
Cast members actually hold a variety of views in the debate, co-director Pat Greiner said. So do people in the community. So it makes sense for Stage III Community Theatre to sponsor a public forum exploring the issues.
The discussion will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Stage III, 900 N. Center St.
"Inherit the Wind" is a fictionalized account of the 1925 Scopes monkey trial, where the state of Tennessee challenged a biology teacher who taught evolution, and won.
Greiner said a forum last year about the death penalty debate, in conjunction with Casper College's production of "Dean Man Walking," sparked the idea to involve the community in a discussion.
Some productions of the play tend to make fun of creationism, Greiner said.
"We're trying to be a little more respectful of the Brady character," Greiner said. "We're trying to not make him clownish or buffoonish."
Matthew Harrison Brady is the playwrights' version of William Jennings Bryan, prosecuting attorney. Bob Price plays Brady with a handkerchief, a swagger and his deep radio voice.
Will Robinson, who plays defense attorney Henry Drummond (the play's version of Clarence Darrow), has the character's trademark suspenders and his experience as a Casper College biology instructor to bring his role to life.
He said the role is perfect for him: "I believe every word he's saying."
The play was written in the 1950s, inspired by McCarthy-era communism hearings and championing the right to free thinking as much as the right to teach evolution.
Many shows Stage III produces are pure entertainment, Greiner said.
This one is entertaining, "But it's a show that makes people think. It was a way to make people see that drama is part of our culture - that it has serious things to say."
Panel and public forum
The discussion will be from 2 to 4 p.m. Saturday, April 21 at Stage III, 900 N. Center St. Each panelist will present a five-minute opening statement, then will take questions from the audience.
Panelists include:
n Creationism advocates Carl Wolosin, executive director and chaplain at the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission, and Mark Holland, psychologist
n Evolution advocates Russell Hawley, education coordinator for the Tate Museum, and Kefyn Catley, assistant professor of science education at Vanderbilt University
n Todd Van Gunten, pastor at Our Savior's Lutheran Church, who will focus on the ways in which science and theology can cooperate
n Bruce Richardson, Casper College lecturer, will present the humanities aspects of the issue
Zimmerman Lecture
While he's in Casper, Kefyn Catley of Vanderbilt will also present a Casper College Zimmerman Lecture on "Understanding Evolution: A View from the Classroom," at 7 p.m. Thursday, April 19 in the Wheeler Auditorium located in the Wold Physical Science Center. This event is free and open to the public.
See the play
Inherit the Wind will play at 7:30 p.m. April 13 and 14, 20 and 21, and 26 through 28. A matinee will be at 2 p.m. April 22.
Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students and seniors 65 and older.
Buy tickets at Grant Street Grocery, Metro Coffee Company, Cadillac Cowgirl or at the door starting one hour before showtimes.]]>