Dean Wong

"Inherit the Wind," is an ambitious new play by students in the Ballard High School drama department dealing with the subject of evolution.

Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee wrote the play in 1955 as a fictional account of the real-life trial of John Scopes . Scopes broke a Tennessee law against teaching Charles's Darwin's Theory of Evolution in a high school class.

Clarence Darrow defended Scopes, who lost the case and was convicted.

The case took place in 1925 and was known as the "Scopes" trial with issues such as free speech, separation of church and state and the conflict between science and religion.

In the play "Inherit the Wind," Scopes' character is named Bertam Cates and is played by Nate McVicker.

David Kulcsar, a veteran actor in Ballard High productions and the Seattle Children's Theatre plays the lead role of Henry Drummond, an attorney defending Cates.

Ballard drama teacher Jennifer Delaney chose the play as a way to challenge her students and give more of them an opportunity to act. There are over ten cast members.

"'Inherit the Wind' is a play I worked on 20 years ago and really enjoyed the experience. After I announced my choice for the Fall Play many comments were about the 'timely choice', what with all the talk about Intelligent Design in the news," said Delaney.

"Currently there's the whole argument of evolution and intelligent design. It's an issue now in America and it's all coming back," said Kulcsar.

Kulcsar tried to explain evolution in layman's terms. "We as humans evolved over time. We were not placed here they way we are today, we changed with time," he said.

The Intelligent Design theory argues that God aided in the process of evolution. "It's science and religion put together. Some are skeptical of the religion part," said Kulcsar.

"It's a hard role with a good chunk of lines. It's a pretty powerful role," said Kulcsar of his role as Drummond.

Senior Justin DeWolf plays Mathew Harrison Brady, the man who ran for President of the United States three times. Brady is the prosecutor in the trial.

DeWolf says the issues discussed in the play are intense, with a variety of characters developing throughout the story.

"Brady is basically the guy who is against evolution being taught in the schools," said DeWolf.

Senior Madison Murphy plays the role of Cate's girlfriend, Rachel Brown.

"Her father is a Baptist minister. She is in love with the man on trial for teaching evolution," said Murphy a senior who wants to study theatre and biology in college.

"It has been a lot of work, a lot of time commitment to learn lines and make sure emotions are correct," said Murphy who has acted or done publicity for ten high school productions.

Stage Manager Kinsen Miller is a senior and has been working in theatre for three years.

"I have to keep track of everyone and make sure everything is done. Lights, costumes, make-up, props," said Miller.

Miller would like to own a restaurant someday and thinks her stage manager experience will benefit her.

"I learned how to deal with high stress. I get a lot of amazing experience from this," said Miller.

"This is a great subject for a drama production. The debate is still going on," said Murphy.

Kulcsar would not give away the play's ending, but hinted that it's about having different points of view and whether or not people should be allowed to have them.

"It's OK to think differently. It's OK to believe in this and not in that and that we can all get along in the end. It symbolizes that the two should be able to get along," said Kulcsar.

"Inherit the Wind," is on November 3, 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. in Ballard High School auditorium, 1418 N.W. 65th St. Tickets are $6 pre-sale and $7 at the door. A senior and International Thespian Discount is $5 pre-sale and $6 at the door. Call 252-1000 for more information.