The Scopes monkey trial • The work of drama created during the post-war era of America was inspired by the famous “Scopes monkey trial” • During the 1920’s, a man named Scopes challenged the Butler’s act and taught Darwin’s theory in his class, leading to his arrest. • The intense courtroom drama was enlightened with the arrival of William Jenings Brian; the prosecutor, and Clarence Darrow, an agnostic. • Brian’s testimony was stricken from the record, resulting in a guilty verdict for Scopes and a victory for Bryan, though Darrow and Scopes won a moral victory that reflected the changing trials. • Since that time,mainstream America has largely accepted the theory of evolution as an essential part of basic science education. “Some of the characters of the play are related to the colourful figures in that battle of giants; but they have life and language of their own – and, therefore, names of their own.” – Jerome Lawrence Robert E. Lee
