“The Struggle for Existence: Darwin's Dreams” is an original play about Charles Darwin as he is writing the last chapter of The Origin of Species. The play explores Darwin's struggle to resolve his sense of accomplishment with his worries about the possible misuses of his theory of evolution. The play is written by Catherine Badgley (U-M Department of Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Museum of Paleontology, and Residential College), directed by Kate Mendeloff (U-M Residential College Drama Program, director of Shakespeare in the Arb), and performed in the Exhibit Museum by a cast of students and faculty. The play makes use of different parts of the Museum for each act.

The play has three public performances, Nov. 20-22, starting each night at 7:30 p.m. (A performance for students only will be offered on November 19 at 7:30 p.m.) On November 20, the performance will be followed by a public reception. On November 21, a public discussion with the director, playwright, and cast will follow the performance.

Reservations are required because of limited capacity. Call (734) 764-0480. $10 suggested donation (students free).