Inherit the Wind at Arkansas Public Theatre

Inherit the Wind, a powerful courtroom drama written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, isn't a musical, but it's a gripping play nonetheless. Here's the lowdown:

Debuting in 1955, the play fictionalizes the infamous Scopes Monkey Trial of 1925. Science teacher John Scopes is put on trial for defying a Tennessee law that prohibited teaching evolution in public schools. The play becomes a battleground for clashing ideologies - religious fundamentalism versus scientific progress.

Two legendary lawyers take center stage: the firebrand defense attorney Henry Drummond, modeled after Clarence Darrow, and the ruthless prosecutor Matthew Harrison Brady, a character resembling William Jennings Bryan. Their legal battle becomes a microcosm of the larger societal struggle between tradition and progress.

Inherit the Wind transcends its historical setting. The play continues to resonate with audiences today, sparking discussions about censorship, academic freedom, and the ongoing debate between science and religion. Its powerful message and timeless themes make Inherit the Wind a thought-provoking and impactful piece of theater.

Authors

• Jerome Lawrence
• Robert E. Lee

Tony Awards and Nominations for Inherit the Wind