Collapsing Creation

Nominated for a record NINE Chapman Tripp Theatre Awards including Best Production!!!

by Arthur Meek, directed by David O'Donnell

In 1859, Darwin’s theory of evolution shook humanity, confronted science and challenged religion, including the profound faith of his beloved wife Emma.

Arthur Meek’s bold new play Collapsing Creation explores the courage of a visionary who must battle his conscience and soul to change the world - and find the strength to face the fallout.

Starring Peter Hambleton as Charles Darwin and Catherine Downes as his devout wife Emma, Collapsing Creation is a heartfelt and fascinating account of what happens when ideas, faith and reason collide.

Commissioned by the Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology and Evolution as part of worldwide celebrations marking the 150th anniversary of Darwin's masterpiece: On the Origin of Species.

"O'Donnell's production is a tour de force which, of course, could not occur without Meek's brilliant script. Bravo!" Laurie Atkinson - The Dominion Post

"Arthur Meek brings the bewhiskered Darwin to life in his play, showing us his funny, loving, obsessive and eccentric sides and his competitive nature. This is an assured piece of work from Meek who’s proving himself to be an actor and writer of remarkable talent. It’s also beautifully performed, astutely directed and deliciously set." Lynn Freeman - Capital Times

"If you have any fear that this subject matter is 'above' you, discard them. While the scientifically-minded will revel in much of the detail, the only qualification anyone needs to find Collapsing Creating relevant, intriguing and totally compelling on many levels, is to be human." John Smythe - Theatreview

Photos by Dominika Zielinska

 Darwin Lecture Series

Downstage and The Royal Society are proud to present a free lecture series alongside Collapsing Creation. The lectures will take place at Downstage each Saturday from 6pm.

Darwin's Inspirational Voyage
Dr. Hamish Campbell, Te Papa and GNS Science Geologist
Saturday 7th November, 6:00pm:

Sexual Selection in Human Evolution
Prof. Alan Dixson, Professorial Research Fellow, Victoria University
Saturday 14th November, 6:00pm:

Evolution in New Zealand
Dr. Steve Trewick, Senior Lecturer, Massey University
Saturday 21st November, 6:00pm:

Panel Discussion: The Evolution of a Theory
Dr. Charles Daugherty –Director, Allan Wilson Centre for Molecular Ecology & Evolution
Paul Morris –Victoria University Religious Studies Professor
Bernard Beckett –Science writer and schoolteacher
Chaired by Hilary Beaton, Downstage Director
Saturday 28th November, 6:00pm