Inherit the Wind Review: Asolo Rep’s ‘Inherit the Wind’ Is, Unfortunately, as Timely as Ever
The timeless courtroom drama, ‘Inherit the Wind’, currently being staged at Asolo Rep, powerfully delves into the subject of intellectual freedom. Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee in 1955, this play continues to resonate with audiences due to its thought-provoking themes and skillful storytelling.
At the heart of ‘Inherit the Wind’ lies the right to intellectual freedom, a topic that remains as pertinent today as it did when the play first debuted. Set in the backdrop of the Scopes Monkey Trial, a real-life trial that took place in the 1920s, the story confronts the clash between teaching evolution as a scientific theory and religious creationism. Lawrence and Lee, while taking poetic license with the historical facts, cleverly use the trial to critique the rampant McCarthyism of the 1950s. Fast-forward to the present day, and we find ourselves amidst ongoing debates over banned books and the boundaries of education.
Directed by Asolo Rep’s artistic director, Peter Rothstein, the production captivates the audience through an abundance of hymns and gospel songs that serve to transport us into the fictional community of Hillsboro. This devout community readily embraces the guest prosecutor, Matthew Harrison Brady, based on the real-life orator-politician William Jennings Bryan (Andrew Long), thanks to his unwavering belief in the Bible. However, their reaction to the defense lawyer, Henry Drummond, modeled after the agnostic Clarence Darrow (Mark Benninghofen), is less enthusiastic.
Benninghofen delivers a masterful portrayal of Darrow/Drummond, capturing his rumpled and somewhat disheveled demeanor, often making one question his sobriety. The verbal sparring between Drummond and the pontificating Brady instigates the courtroom drama, escalating when Brady is unexpectedly called to the witness stand. As the trial unfolds, Brady’s own beliefs are exposed, ultimately leading to a dramatic turn of events.
While the courtroom proceedings captivate the audience’s attention, a carnival-like atmosphere pervades the town. Sweltering heat, hot dog vendors, and enthusiastic locals add layers of authenticity to the production. Reverend Jeremiah Brown, powerfully portrayed by Curtis Bannister, rouses his congregation with fiery sermons on damnation, including his conflicted daughter Rachel (Brielle Rivera Headrington), who remains close to the accused science teacher, Bertram Cates (Mikhail Roberts), much to her father’s displeasure. Adding a touch of cynicism to the mix is outsider journalist E.K. Hornbeck, played by Sasha Andreev, who thoroughly enjoys his role as a diehard skeptic.
Although the production successfully entertains and delivers sharp performances, it falls short of evoking the deep emotions experienced in previous renditions of the play. The emphasis on entertainment value sometimes overshadows the exploration of human emotions, leaving the audience longing for a more profound connection.
Despite this minor flaw, ‘Inherit the Wind’ continues to resonate with its powerful themes and thought-provoking narrative. By skillfully intertwining history and fiction, the playwrights challenge us to reconsider our understanding of intellectual freedom. The enduring relevance of this courtroom drama serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing battle for independent thought and the importance of recognizing the diverse perspectives that shape our society.
In a world characterized by constant debates and shifting ideologies, ‘Inherit the Wind’ serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing struggle for intellectual freedom. As the Asolo Rep’s production brings this timeless story to life, audiences are left to contemplate the role of intellect, religion, and freedom in shaping the future of our society.
