Clarence Darrow

April 29, 2017

Clarence Darrow, produced by Old Shoe Production Company, examines Darrow’s life, his impact on our judicial system and his quest to tackle issues of social justice. This evening of living history provides the audience with an opportunity to examine the growth of our nation and to contrast the social issues of our past as they relate to our modern day struggles. Historical, thought provoking and entertaining, the play will appeal to not only members of the legal profession but anyone interested in our history and the fight for workers’ rights, civil rights, equality and social justice.

Although the play recounts Darrow’s career as one of America’s leading legal crusaders, in some ways the play is more about what Darrow stood for: decency, tolerance, respect for others and the firmly held belief that all people deserve representation regardless of their status. Darrow, as a labor lawyer, a criminal defense lawyer, and as a humanitarian and advocate for social justice, did much to raise the consciousness of people as to the plight of the common man during the Great Depression. Darrow’s life leads to an understanding of how social consciousness is applicable to the current political, social, and economic climate in the US.

The show relives some of Darrow’s pivotal experiences, including the “Thrill Killers”, the Scopes Monkey trial and his defense of Eugene V. Debs and Dr. Ossian Sweet, which established his reputation as a leading legal crusader, civil rights hero and champion of the working man. Born in 1857, his belief system was shaped at a very early age by his abolitionist free thinking parents, which led him to be a staunch opponent of slavery and the death penalty. During his storied 50-year career, he saved 102 people from the death penalty, fought against intolerance and racism, and never lost sight of the connection between crime and poverty.

Please contact the LCBA for ticket information

Performance starts at 7:30 P.M.
“Barnegie Hall”, Avon Lake