WHEN THE LAW PUTS IDEAS ON TRIAL

A clear-eyed revival that finds urgency
in an old argument about truth and belief

The recent production of Inherit the Wind at Arena Stage offers a compelling and timely revival of one of America’s most enduring courtroom dramas. Directed by Ryan Guzzo Purcell, the production highlights the play’s central conflict—between scientific progress and religious traditionalism—with clarity, urgency, and emotional depth.

Dakin Matthews, Rebecca Madeira, and the company

Based on the real-life 1925 Scopes Trial, the play dramatizes the legal battle over whether evolution should be taught in public schools. The courtroom becomes a symbolic arena where two towering figures—defense attorney Henry Drummond and prosecutor Matthew Harrison Brady—debate not just the law but the nature of truth, belief, and intellectual freedom. Billy Eugene Jones brings measured intelligence and moral conviction to Drummond, while Dakin Matthews delivers a powerful performance as Brady, portraying a man whose certainty masks deeper insecurities about change and modernity.

Billy Eugene Jones, Dakin Matthews, and Holly Twyford

Purcell’s direction emphasizes the humanity of the characters rather than reducing them to ideological symbols. Even as the trial becomes increasingly heated, the production allows for moments of humor, vulnerability, and reflection. The ensemble cast effectively portrays the townspeople whose fears, loyalties, and prejudices shape the trial’s atmosphere, reminding us that the case is not just about law but about community identity.

The Company

The staging on the Fichandler Stage is particularly effective. The open, arena-style theater places the audience close to the action, creating the feeling of being part of the courtroom gallery. This immersive environment heightens the tension of the arguments and underscores the public nature of the debate. The design elements—set, lighting, and sound—remain relatively understated, allowing the language and performances to carry the dramatic weight.

Natalya Lynette Rathnam, Dakin Matthews, Todd Scofield, and Jordan Friend

What makes this production especially resonant is its contemporary relevance. Although the play was written in the 1950s as a response to debates about intellectual freedom, its themes continue to echo in modern discussions about science, education, and the role of belief in public life. Arena Stage’s revival suggests that the struggle between tradition and progress is ongoing—and that the defense of free thought still requires courage.

The Company

Arena Stage’s Inherit the Wind is a thoughtful, engaging production that honors the spirit of the original play while making its message feel immediate. Through strong performances and focused direction, the production transforms a historical trial into a clear reminder of the enduring importance of questioning, learning, and thinking freely.

Noah Plomgren and Billy Eugene Jones

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photos by Daniel Rader

Inherit the Wind
Arena Stage, Fichandler Stage
1101 Sixth Street SW, Washington, DC
ends on April 5, 2026
for tickets ($73 and up), call 202.488.3300 or visit Arena

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