The centennial of that famous publicity stunt known as the Scopes "Monkey" Trial is upon us. Time for yet another theatrical re-creation of "Inherit the Wind", right? Wrong!
Instead, let's look at what happened just four days after the trial ended--William Jennings Bryan, three-time presidential candidate, deservedly called the greatest orator of the 20th century--delivered his final words of caution to the country. He died the next day.
We've seen countless times the dramatic cross-examination of the Bible-thumping Bryan by "enlightened" defense attorney Clarence Darrow. Bryan's testimony advocating a literal interpretation of the Bible was not his finest hour. Sadly, the proud democratic legacy of arguably the most far-sighted politician in American history has been overshadowed, if not totally forgotten.
It was as early as 1896 that WJB warned the nation of the dangers of the rising power of American Oligarchy. Of an economic system where wealth only "leaked through" (sound familiar?) to the masses below. An imperialist/colonialist foreign policy he characterized as the "gunpowder gospel."
The briefest look at any of today's headlines proves that we are living in the apotheosis of a menacing political/economic system more than 130 years in the making. It's no wonder that the un-democratic powers on Wall Street opposed Bryan in his three runs for the presidency. It's no credit to American democracy that they succeeded.
The Scope of William Jennings Bryan is a re-enactment of Bryan's final speech. It is a synthesis of Bryan's thoughts and discourses through the decades. It is another chance to heed the warnings of the American prophet.
Come see Frank Simons as William Jennings Bryan in The Scope of William Jennings Bryan. A play directed by Marjorie Burren and written by award-winning playwright David Haddad.
"A rousing rendition of that speech".
Georgetown professor Michael Kazin, author of A Godly Hero: The Life of William Jennings Bryan.
Historically researched plays such as this should become a trend. An instrument to counter insidious misinformation and propaganda.
From The Chain Theatre, NYC