Spacey and Troughton at the Old Vic – On and Off Stage
by Jennifer Siebens
Kevin Spacey and David Troughton in "Inherit the Wind"
Who knew that a 19th Century British scientist could create such a buzz? 2009 was one long celebration for Charles Darwin, the naturalist famous for his theories of evolution and natural selection. Harvard Professor Steve Shapin recently took stock, “On or around 12 February 2009 alone – the 200th anniversary of Charles Darwin’s birth – there were more than 750 commemorative events in at least 45 countries, and, on or around 24 November, there was another spate of celebrations to mark the 150th anniversary of the publication of On the Origin of Species by Means of Natural Selection…” He even noted the lapel badges, “Darwin Is My Homeboy.”
The Old Vic joined the party, staging ‘Inherit the Wind’ by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E. Lee. The drama pulls from the 1925 trial of a young instructor for teaching Darwin in violation of Tennessee law. AACL members were treated to a performance on November 11th, followed by a conversation with lead actors David Troughton and Kevin Spacey. (Mr. Spacey also serves as the theater’s Artistic Director, appointed in 2003.) The men were generous with their time, given the rigors of their performances and the late hour. Generous, too, in leaving the bar open!
The conversation ranged from the play’s relevance today (I thought about Sarah Palin. Darwin is not her Homeboy), the brilliance of director Trevor Nunn whose re-reading of “Origin” got the ball rolling, and the depth of the stage – unequalled on Broadway – which allowed for “49 actors and 1 monkey.”
Mr. Spacey also addressed the business of theater – the need to enlist sponsors with economically sound arguments, “There is no need to be sheepish.” He argued “that people want a shared experience” and reminded us that the West End has had its most successful year yet. Slyly, he pointed out that we were sitting in The American Airlines Lounge – nodding at the large sign nearby. He also cited support from The Bank of America. “We got to them before the crash,” he quipped.
In a slightly tortured analogy, thinking about Darwin’s survival of the fittest and this evening of theater, The Old Vic deserves a special mention. It survives, even thrives, without government subsidies. The company works from ticket sales and support from corporations, foundations, patrons and fans. We thank them for hosting us, with special mentions to Mr. Spacey, Mr. Troughton and Jo Allan for their insights and kindness.
- Jennifer Siebens/CBS News.
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