Collegiate Times

"Living Darwin" is an original work based on Charles Darwin's "Origin of Species."

The life and theories of famed naturalist Charles Darwin come to life onstage at Virginia Tech this week.

The Theatre Workshop in Science, Technology & Society and the Department of Theatre and Cinema developed "Living Darwin," an original theatrical production that uses Darwin's own writing as a foundation for exploration and education.

"We are investigating him," said Ann Kilkelly, the show's director and primary writer. "So much of what people think Darwin said and is responsible for isn't actually true."

The play examines the works of Darwin and the worldwide changes brought about by his scientific theory of natural selection, Kilkelly said.

The cast and crew of "Living Darwin" have been rehearsing since before the start of classes, learning about Darwin and working to communicate his words in an effective performance.

"We hit the ground running," said Molly Dickerson, a junior theatre arts major, "but we needed that. Having so much time is beneficial."

Cast and crew have been creating a brand new show that offers an alternative to boring lectures or slideshows, Dickerson said.

The illnesses that have plagued the Tech campus lately have provided another challenge to the play.

"It's been rough," said Alyssa Markfort, stage manager and junior theatre arts major. "Dealing with sickness has made things really difficult, but we get through it."

Actors in the show make do with minimalist sets and costumes, instead allowing movement and words to make the main points. Joining the actors on stage are projection screens that will be filled with images of the natural world.

The play is designed to stimulate questions and discussion. Working on the show has also been an enlightening experience for the cast.

"Darwin was much more complex than I ever gave him credit for," said Alisha Saunders, cast member and senior theatre arts major. "He went so far against his society, and people have twisted his theories."

The social and cultural implications of Darwin's work will be closely examined in the show. Using Darwin's theories to justify aspects like eugenics, or the selected breeding of people to get rid of "undesirable" qualities, is one of the many issues approached in the play, Kilkelly said.

Despite the more controversial aspects of the performance, "Living Darwin" has a sense of humor. Sections of the show deal with primate studies and cavemen mentality, which allows the cast to get a little wild.

"It's hilarious," Kilkelly said. "Parts of it are really, really hilarious."

Discussions are planned prior to and after the show, giving audiences a chance to contribute their views and opinions on Darwin, his work and the profound influences of both in the modern world.

"We ask people what they thought," Kilkelly said. "What were the things that struck them that we explored? Did it help them see things differently? Did they think about their relationship to the natural world and science?"