This July, San Diego’s renowned New Fortune Theatre Company captivated audiences with American Monkeys, an extraordinary daylong immersive experience that fused art, intellect, and history. Hosted at a Point Loma church, the production vividly reimagined the legendary 1925 Scopes “Monkey” Trial, one of the most defining moments in America’s ongoing conversation about science, faith, and freedom of thought. The event not only brought to life the courtroom tension that pitted religious beliefs against scientific discovery but also transported attendees into the lively, circus-like atmosphere that enveloped the original debate—a spectacle that forever changed how Americans view education, belief, and progress.
Building upon that thought-provoking success, New Fortune Theatre Company—in collaboration with the San Diego Library Foundation—is set to once again ignite dialogue, curiosity, and inspiration. This coming Monday, they proudly present “The Dover Panda Trial,” a powerful theatrical event that revisits one of the 21st century’s most pivotal legal battles surrounding the teaching of evolution in American public schools. While American Monkeys revisited a historical clash nearly a century old, The Dover Panda Trial turns its gaze toward a more recent but equally transformative story—one that unfolded just two decades ago and continues to shape classroom debates, educational policy, and public understanding today.
At the heart of this remarkable production are two brilliant minds: John “Q” De Lancie, celebrated actor best known for his iconic role in Star Trek, and Kristen Tregar, an accomplished writer, educator, and creative visionary. Together, they have crafted a radio-style play that combines intellectual depth, dramatic flair, and emotional resonance. Inspired by the real-life 2005 Dover, Pennsylvania trial, this adaptation shines a light on a moment when the intersection of science, religion, and education once again took center stage in America’s courts. The case questioned whether the concept of “intelligent design”—a belief rooted in the notion that life’s complexity points to a higher creator—should be taught alongside Darwinian evolution in public schools.
Through masterful dialogue, compelling performances, and an atmosphere that balances wit with wonder, The Dover Panda Trial does more than reenact history—it invites audiences to think, feel, and question. The play captures the intensity of the courtroom proceedings, the courage of educators and scientists who stood for evidence-based learning, and the fervent convictions of those who saw intelligent design as essential to moral education. Each scene bridges the gap between past and present, reminding viewers that the struggle to define truth, knowledge, and belief is as relevant today as it was in 1925 or 2005.
But beyond its dramatic narrative, The Dover Panda Trial offers something more profound: an invitation to engage with ideas that have shaped our collective understanding of what it means to be human. In an age where information is abundant yet truth often feels elusive, the play becomes a mirror—reflecting the complexities of modern education, the tension between faith and fact, and the timeless pursuit of understanding our origins.
New Fortune Theatre Company has long been celebrated for its daring approach to storytelling and its commitment to blending art with societal reflection. By partnering with the San Diego Library Foundation, they continue to push boundaries—bringing theater not just to stages but to communities hungry for meaningful conversation. This collaboration underscores a shared mission: to use art as a catalyst for learning, to promote critical thinking, and to inspire audiences of all ages to explore the world through a more curious and open-minded lens.
