Batighar, a well-known theater group, is set to present the 25th rendition of their thought-provoking one-act play, “Monkey Trial”, on Friday, September 19, at 7:15pm in the Experimental Theatre of the National Theatre Hall, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Adapted and directed by Muktanil from the original work by Jerome Lawrence and Robert E Lee, “Monkey Trial” offers a modern take on the historic 1925 Scopes trial, a significant legal battle concerning the teaching of Darwinian evolution in an American classroom.
The play delves into the story of an ordinary schoolteacher who faces prosecution after introducing evolution in the classroom, sparking a national debate that reveals the clash between entrenched beliefs and rational thinking. Muktanil’s adaptation maintains a sense of urgency through minimalist staging that highlights incisive dialogue, complemented by music and ensemble performances that inject dark humor into the narrative. The current relevance of the production is emphasized by the director’s challenge to the audience on social media, questioning how much society has progressed since the Scopes trial.
Originally presented by Batighar on December 31, 2021, as its 15th production, “Monkey Trial” has garnered a following for its bold satire and social commentary. Tickets for the 25th performance are already available for purchase online, indicating the continued interest in the production. The intimate setting of the Experimental Theatre provides a fitting backdrop for the play, allowing actors to navigate the moral and rhetorical complexities of the trial without elaborate sets, offering a compelling experience for theater enthusiasts interested in explorations of law, science, and public opinion. Batighar’s silver-jubilee show promises to be both relevant and thought-provoking for its audience.