Behind the scenes as RAPA rehearses Inherit the Wind

Inherit the Wind has challenged audiences to consider the freedom to think for themselves since its first production in 1955. Written by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee, the courtroom drama draws on the 1925 Scopes trial over the teaching of evolution. It is a fictionalized account, not a historical reconstruction. Written during the McCarthy era, its arguments reach beyond science and religion to confront censorship, intolerance and the pressure to conform.

The original Broadway production ran for 806 performances and brought Tony Awards to actors Paul Muni and Ed Begley. Scenic designer Peter Larkin also won for his work on the play and No Time for Sergeants. Film and television adaptations, along with Broadway revivals in 1996 and 2007, carried its defence of intellectual freedom to new generations.

Now the Russell Association for the Performing Arts is bringing the play to the local stage. The Rustler goes behind the scenes at a rehearsal and speaks with director Bill McInnis about the production.