Photo Credit: Evolve2009.orgThe first movie I ever remember watching was the immortal "Inherit the Wind" about the famous 1925 Scopes monkey trial. The defendant, John Scopes, was science teacher in Tennessee who intentionally violated the Butler Act which forbade the teaching of evolution in schools. I couldn't have been more than 6, my brother forced me to watch the movie because "evolution" was so important. Now, I was 6...the only things important things in my life were candy & Bugs Bunny.
I vividly remember the biting sarcasm of Darrow, as he deftly examined William Jennings Bryan on the Bible. There were so many great scenes defending science and moreover, bringing the dialogue of science & religion into public view. Many consider the trial as the turning point in the debate between creation and evolution. 84 years later, the debate rages on with controversies still ongoing in Delaware and Kansas.
On January 22nd, there will be a staged re-enactment of the legendary trial that brought the debate to the forefront. The play will feature content based entirely on the transcripts of the trial (minus the blistering heat from the trial). Good ol' Ed Asner (of Mary Tyler Moore Show fame) will be starring.
The play is sponsored by Evolve2009, a city-wide celebration of Charles Darwin's accomplishments and impact on science & society. It also happens to be his 200th birthday and the 150th anniversary of the publication of the "Origin of Species". Evolve2009 is putting on many events throughout the next month ranging from lectures to tours with an evolution perspective.
The play is being held at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, January 22nd @ 8PM. Tickets: JCCSF Members $45.00 | Public $50.00 | Student $30.00. For more info, check out the event website.