The acclaimed British one-man play, Mr Darwin’s Tree, is currently on tour on campuses in North America. Produced by Scholarship and Christianity in Oxford (SCIO), the UK Centre of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities (CCCU), and underwritten by the Templeton Religion Trust and The Blankemeyer Foundation, the play explores the life and work of Charles Darwin within the contexts of science, faith, and family.
Mr Darwin’s Tree, written and directed by playwright Murray Watts and featuring actor Andrew Harrison, is being performed at eleven institutions this autumn. The first part of the tour concluded in early October and included: Eastern University, Calvin University, Lubbock Christian University, Trinity Christian College, Bethel University, Northwestern College, IA, and Seattle Pacific University.
The thought-provoking play was appreciated by staff and students alike:
“I really enjoyed watching this production of Mr. Darwin’s Tree. In my church and family (at least for the most part), it’s always been argued that Christians can’t believe in evolution, but the more I think about it, the more I question the reasoning behind that claim. This play made me think and will continue to make me think in the days and weeks ahead as I too try to discern truth about science and faith.”
‘I went into that play not knowing what I was going to see and to be honest, with a little bit of a bad attitude. I was tired and did not want to see it. Although, when the play started, my attitude changed. The play was very intriguing and interesting. I did not know how much Darwin struggled with his theory of evolution and natural selection. Overall, I was very impressed with the play and thank you for giving me incentive to go because it really gave me a lot to think about.’
‘This performance helped me to understand where Darwin was coming from more, and encouraged me also to wrestle with the relationship between God and science.’
The second part of the tour begins in late October, and Mr Darwin’s Tree will be performed at Gordon College, Belmont University, Azusa Pacific University, and Biola University.
For more information about the play please visit: https://www.mrdarwinstree.com/ and http://www.scio-uk.org/mr-darwins-tree-the-acclaimed-one-man-play-to-tour-north-american-christian-colleges-in-2019/.