Outreach - "Collapsing Creation"

2009 is the 200th anniversary of the birth of Charles Darwin, the father of the concept of evolution, and the 150th anniversary of the publication of “On the Origin of Species”.  To celebrate, a new play, Collapsing Creation, will consider the dilemmas Darwin faced in going public about his theory of evolution.

The play, written by Arthur Meek and directed by Steve Whiting, had its premier performance, to a standing ovation, on Darwin’s birthday, 12 February, in the James Hay Theatre, Christchurch.  The play, now directed by David O'Donnell, is now touring New Zealand’s larger cities. It will run October 24-26 at the Nelson Festival and 5-28 November at the Downstage Theatre in Wellington.

The play was commissioned and sponsored by the Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution.

Arthur Meek is an award-winning actor, short filmmaker and playwright. Arthur's 2008 show 'On the Conditions and Possibilities of Helen Clark Taking Me as Her Young Lover' took the country by storm, playing to packed houses, garnering best production of the year nominations and picking up awards throughout the country. In 2008 he was judged most promising male newcomer at the Chapmann Tripp Theatre Awards. His musical comedy band The Lonesome Buckwhips are Billy T Nominees and are currently recording a series with Radio New Zealand. Other work includes the short film 'Being John Campbell' (2002), which won awards around the country, his play 'The Cottage' (2006) which was awarded the Best Newcomer of the Fringe, 'Return of the Lonesome Buckwhips' (2007) which was awarded Best Comedy at the NZ International Fringe Festival. He was commissioned to write' Yolk for Young and Hungry's' 2008 season of plays for young people.

Collapsing Creation explores the courage of a visionary who must battle his conscience, fear and broken body to change the world – and find the strength to face the fallout.

Collapsing Creation telescopes the radical development and dramatic aftermath of Darwin’s masterpiece into one day, over the course discovery confronts the rigid scientific orthodoxy, challenges the profound faith of his wife Emma and ultimately evolves into ideas beyond his imagination or control.

Directed by David O’Donnell and featuring Peter Hambleton and Cathy Downes as Charles Darwin and his devout wife Emma, Collapsing Creation is a heartfelt and fascinating account of what happens when ideas, faith and reason collide.

Cast actors are:

Cathy Downes is acknowledged as one of New Zealand’s finest theatrical talents. From 2006 to 2008 she was Director of Downstage Theatre in Wellington and prior to this appointment was Artistic Director of The Court Theatre for five years from 2000-2005. Cathy was hailed in National Radio’s Millennium‘ Golden Kiwi’ series, as a ‘theatre alchemist’, one of NZ’s finest theatrical talents, and she has received three Chapman Tripp Awards for Best Production Of The Year. In 1998 Catherine was appointed a Member Of The NZ Order Of Merit for her services to the Arts.

5th -28th  November, Downstage Theatre
Tuesday / Wednesday 6:30, Thursday – Saturday 8:00pm
Matinee Saturday 21st November, 2:00pm
bookings@downstage.co.nz (04)8016946