Evolution on Trial: A Courtroom Drama of Faith and Science

Act 1 Scene 1: Town's Reaction to the Trial

• Howard and Melinda discuss the theory of evolution, questioning if humans descended from worms.
• Rachel Brown arrives at the courthouse, searching for Bert Cates.
• Rachel attempts to persuade Bert to apologize and retract his statements, suggesting that teaching Darwin's theory of evolution in school was a mistake.
• Townspeople sing hymns to welcome Matthew Harrison Brady to town, celebrating his arrival.

Act 1 Scene 2: Jury Selection and Objections

• The scene opens inside the courtroom, setting the stage for the trial.
• Henry Drummond begins the process of selecting the jury.
• Drummond rejects a potential juror who openly states a belief in the literal interpretation of the Bible, citing potential bias.
• Towards the end of the scene, the judge announces a public prayer meeting.
• Drummond objects to the prayer meeting, arguing that it unfairly provides publicity to one side of the case while neglecting the other.

Act 2 Scene 1: Prayer Meeting and Confrontation

• Workers prepare the setting for the prayer meeting as Matthew Harrison Brady converses with E.K. Hornbeck.
• Drummond challenges the faith and beliefs of the townspeople.
• Brady publicly prays for God to destroy Bertram Cates, prompting Rachel to beg him not to utter such words.

Act 2 Scene 2: The Trial's Climax

• One of Bert Cates's students is called as a witness; Brady questions him about what his teacher taught regarding the Earth's formation.
• The student recounts to the jury how Bert taught the class about the theory of evolution.
• Brady begins a passionate, "soap-box" speech, which Drummond objects to.
• It is revealed that Bert stopped attending church after a young boy drowned, and Brady declared that the boy was in hell.
• Drummond calls Brady to the stand and interrogates him about the Bible.
• Drummond attempts to quote Charles Darwin, but the judge disallows it, forcing him to focus on biblical interpretations.
• Drummond challenges Brady, asking why God would grant people the power to think if it were to be considered evil.
• They engage in a heated argument about the specific details of creation as described in the Bible.
• Drummond presses Brady on the concept of the "twenty-four-hour day" in the creation story.
• Brady becomes visibly frustrated during the cross-examination.
• Drummond realizes that Brady does not interpret the Bible literally in all aspects.
• Drummond asserts that he knows this because God "speaks" to him, to which Brady retorts, "Maybe God speaks to Darwin."

Act 3: The Verdict and Its Aftermath

• Bert Cates expresses fear regarding his impending sentence.
• A radio correspondent requests to broadcast the verdict live, an unprecedented event in history.
• The jury announces its decision: Bert Cates is found guilty.
• The judge sentences Bert to a fine of one hundred dollars.
• Matthew Harrison Brady is enraged by the lenient punishment and demands a heavier sentence.
• Drummond suggests that Bert will not pay the fine.
• The crowd begins milling around, losing interest in Brady's continued pronouncements.
• Brady collapses and is carried off the stage.
• Hornbeck pays Bert's bail.
• It is later revealed that Brady has died.