It was called “The World’s Most Famous Court Trial” because in 1925 the attention of the world was focused on what was happening in a courtroom in Dayton, Tennessee.
More than 2 million words were transmitted by telegraphers from their stations in Dayton, giving the world a record of the arguments that defined the Scopes Trial, and Destiny in Dayton follows that path.
We invite you to visit Dayton, Tenn., each July to see a dramatization of the Scopes Trial, presented in the courtroom where William Jennings Bryan, Clarence Darrow and their colleagues argued a misdemeanor case, an argument that reverberates today.
John Scopes was charged with violating a new state law that prohibited teaching in public schools any theory of human origins that contradicts teachings of the Bible. That may have been the heart of the case, but the lawyers had an awful lot to say about parents’ roles in public education, academic freedom, majority and minority rights, the role of government and the place of religion in public life.
Using a script that is taken almost entirely from the trial transcript, see how the people of 1925 saw the conflict of ideas, and how what they said then is reflected in today’s headlines.
Presented by a community cast—with jurors chosen from the audience—get a fresh look at this landmark case in American history.
Of course, you can leave the legal arguments and courtroom drama to the actors, but plan to join the cast of Destiny in Dayton for Dinner with the Cast after the play on July 26, 2026!
During the Scopes Trial in 1925 “the lawyers fought with all the passion and legal tricks they could muster, but at the end of the court session they left their battle in the courtroom and went to dinner together down the street at the Aqua Hotel,” said Rick Dye, president of Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation. “We are delighted to offer this option once again for guests at the 37th annual dramatization of the Scopes Trial.”
The hotel is gone, but guests will enjoy a 1920s-themed meal in the Dayton City School cafetorium, with dinner music presented by Scenic City Sound, a “Big Band” ensemble from Chattanooga.
“Because of the weather this July, we moved from tents on the courthouse yard to the school,” Mr. Dye said. “Our guests loved the air conditioning, so we have decided to make the cafetorium our regular venue for the dinner. Plus, there is room to dance if you want to take advantage of the classic tunes.”
Destiny in Dayton is a dramatic retelling of the Scopes Trial, billed as a battle over creation and evolution, but which became a preview of 21st century arguments about parental rights, academic freedom, majority and minority rights and more. Presented in the courtroom which hosted the original trial, some 90 percent of the dialog is taken from the trial transcript. In addition to the Dinner with the Cast performance, shows are scheduled for July 17, 18 and 24.
Tickets for Dinner with the Cast and other performances are available here.
Support for the Scopes Trial Play & Festivities comes from local sponsors and the Tennessee Arts Commission.
