Darwin's Dilemma - A Unique Theatrical Experience

You are in the company of Charles Darwin and his wife Emma. The day is 18th June 1858. Charles has just received a letter from Alfred Russel Wallace telling him about his ‘new’ theory of evolution by natural selection. This is a theory Charles himself developed more than 20 years earlier.

Should Charles agree to publish this theory, jointly with Alfred Russel Wallace, or should he remain silent?
Charles is forced into making a decision and asks Emma to accompany him on his daily afternoon walk to talk it over with her.

Emma is a devout Unitarian Christian and is concerned about how the publication will affect both their standing in society and in the eyes of God. Charles is an eminent Victorian ‘natural philosopher’, anxious that he will be cast out of his intellectual circles and fearing for the safety of both himself and his family.
‘On the Origin of Species’ was eventually published in 1859.

The performance explores the dilemma that Charles & Emma faced, by witnessing their imagined conversations. Conceived in collaboration with Bristol Humanists and scripted by Jane Westhead, this theatrical walk takes place in Bristol Botanical Gardens.

The show will take place twice, with audience numbers limited to 30 per performance. Between the two performances, there will be a 30 minute question and answer session for both groups, with a panel of speakers including the director and senior horticulturist of the Botanical Gardens.

The cafe will be open for drinks, snacks and cakes.