Mask & Bauble calls Inherit the Wind to the stand, delivers expert testimony

The Mask and Bauble Society’s first show of the semester, Inherit the Wind, “all comes down to the right to think, and the right to express those thoughts,” said Matt Grisier (COL ‘16). This relevant theme is inherent in the battle between evolution and creationism in the fictional, bible-thumping town of Hillsboro, endearingly called “the buckle of the Bible Belt” by the fictional journalist Hornbeck.

Under the direction of Will Redmond (COL ’15), Mask & Bauble opens its 163rd season with Inherit the Wind, bringing Jerome Lawrence and Robert Edwin Lee’s literary behemoth to Poulton Hall’s Stage III. Introducing a delightfully large cast of 18 student actors, the stage’s minimalist courthouse set soon bustles with life, as the citizens of Hillsboro anticipate the arrival of hero Matthew Harrison Brady, played by Peter Fanone (COL ’15).

Brady is the prosecutor in the trial of Bert Cates, played by Matt Beshke (COL ’18), a teacher in Hillsboro accused of teaching Darwinism in his classroom. Coming to Cates’ defense is Henry Drummond, played by Matt Grisier (COL ’16), a man with exaggerated mannerisms and a brilliant ability to sway the jury. What the people of Hillsboro don’t know about Drummond, however, is his great empathy and understanding of all those he meets, including his old friend and newest enemy in the courtroom, Brady.

While some early scenes border on the melodramatic, the high tensions are perfectly appropriate once the stage transforms and the trial begins. Drummond and Brady’s energy electrifies the theater. Their witty, fast-paced dialogue requires a sharp ear, but is riveting and extremely engaging.

As the trial progresses, the audience find itself leaning forward, realizing the height of the stakes. It’s not only the American education system and everyday life of Hillsboro on the line, but also the livelihoods of two individuals—one who thrives on the love of others, perhaps to a fault, and another who survives on knowledge and reason.

Grisier and Fanone are captivating, drawing the audience in as they communicate with the jury, who sit in the front row. The audience becomes a part of the trial, a mass of people that both Brady and Drummond must convince in their quest for justice.

It’s not only Brady and Drummond who brilliantly capture the audience’s attention. Joshua Street’s (COL ’15) portrayal of Reverend Brown, for example, commands and captivates through his sermons and intimidating presence. The audience hangs on every word, breaking out of the reverie only once the Reverend falls silent.

This production of Inherit the Wind delightfully changes the character of Hornbeck, a Hillsboro journalist, to a woman, played by Claire Derriennic (COL ’17). Hornbeck’s witticisms, quips, and comebacks are humorous and eyebrow-raising coming from the lips of an extremely powerful, intelligent woman. She quickly understands the power dynamics of the courtroom and commandingly asserts her own power and independence. This lends a progressive air to Inherit the Wind, and certainly is a welcome change.

While Georgetown students don’t debate evolution and creationism as adamantly as Brady and Drummond, the student body has its own issues with secularism within a Jesuit framework, providing an opportunity to relate to the gravitas of the play’s subject.

“Inherit is all about conversation and engaging in dialogue,” said the show’s producer, Audrey Denis (SFS ‘15). “Today, we continue to face challenges of tolerance on many levels. We have to learn that when we silence others, we put ourselves in danger.”

In the final scene, Drummond symbolically holds the Origin of Species in one hand and the bible in the other. He puts them together as the lights dim in a memorable gesture that nods to what a person must do to be accepting and respectful of others, while maintaining their own independent opinions.

Poulton Hall, Stage III

Oct. 16-19, Oct.  22-25

performingarts.georgetown.edu

Photo by Ambika Ahuja