'Inherit The Wind,' the power of theater and the modern-day relevance of a good story
It's a funny thing when a certain story is not only well-written and a snapshot of the time it was created, yet remains relevant so many decades later.
I use the word "funny" based on the fact that it's always great when something is considered timeless, but it's also frustrating when the message seems like it still hasn't sunk in the way it was meant to initially. Of course, as humans we can always use a helpful reminder from time to time, but you get the point. I think it has to do something with the whole, "If you don't learn from the past, you're doomed to repeat it."
At the risk of appearing political or biased in regards to what happened during the 1925 Scopes Monkey Trial, what I hope to discuss this week is the significance of what it ultimately inspired on the theater stage just over 30 years later.
"Inherit The Wind," a fictional account of the historic trial, which took place in Tennessee, has been lauded over the years as one of those plays where, by the end, it has the audience thinking, possibly questioning their own beliefs about certain topics pertaining to religion versus government, and what content should be allowed in the public school system.
This is incredibly relevant today, considering celebrities, journalists, or even your next door neighbor, could see their life completely changed based on words or opinions they've shared. It's a time when provocative or controversial posts on Twitter and other social media seems to be the biggest crime a person can commit these days, or at least one with the greatest consequence.
It's topics like these that can make the artform of theater so powerful, that it's not just about colorful set designs and musical numbers, but the message underneath. Sometimes, theater really has something to say, whether through its use of metaphor, intense drama and well-crafted dialog. This is why "Inherit The Wind" is an incredibly important play for everyone to see, which Columbia residents will have the opportunity this October.
I'll admit, I'm somewhat biased since I'll be taking part in The Maury County Arts Guild's upcoming production (playing a reporter, of all things), which began rehearsals this week. It's also significant in that it was the MCAG's first production when they moved into their current facility off Lion Parkway back in 1988. This year's performance is in tribute to the nonprofit's 50th anniversary, going back to the beginning.
While the play itself is an amazing piece of theater, it will no doubt ruffle a few feathers, which is kind of the point. Yet, it's not provocative for the sake of being controversial. It's asking its audience to think, be respectful and that maybe we always don't know everything we claim to, which isn't bad, it's just human.
Fans of old black-and-white films should seek out the original 1960 "Inherit The Wind" film starring Spencer Tracy and Fredric March, along with Gene Kelly. Not only is it an opportunity to see what's considered two of the greatest actors who played Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde squaring off in a courtroom, it's just a really great interpretation of the play.
It's also a great way to prep for the production we'll be putting on in just a couple of months, and I can't wait to see how it'll all take shape through rehearsals, but more importantly how the audience will respond.
At the very least, we hope it gets people talking, thinking and coming to an understanding that it's OK to have different beliefs, and that sometimes holding onto them when judging others can cause more damage than good.
Jay Powell is a reporter for The Daily Herald. Contact him at jpowell@c-dh.net or follow him on Twitter @JayPowellCDH.
This article originally appeared on The Daily Herald: 'Inherit The Wind,' the power of theater and the modern-day relevance of a good story
