DOWNLOAD VIDEO A new play dives into the personality and politics of Antonin Scalia, the leader of the Supreme Court’s conservative wing and its longest-serving member. The play “The Originalist” by John Strand centers on Scalia during the United States v. Windsor case, in which the court struck down the Defense of Marriage Act. It focuses on the relationship between Scalia and a fictional liberal law clerk who challenges him on his core beliefs. Strand said he was drawn to depict Scalia because of the large role he plays in many public issues as well as his big personality. Artistic director Molly Smith said the play is a good pathway to explore the American political and justice systems. “I think we are now in a place where audiences and where artists are really interested in the political system. Why? Because everybody sees it is broken,” she said. To prepare for the role of Scalia, actor Edward Gero visited the Supreme Court and studied Scalia’s mannerisms. It was important that the play have a strong basis in Scalia’s beliefs and decisions, Strand said. As an originalist, Scalia believes that the meaning of the Constitution is fixed in its original text. The script drew from Scalia’s own statements as well as research with people who are closely acquainted with him.

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Warm up questions

1. How does the Supreme Court make decisions?


2. Who is Antonin Scalia? What do you know about him?


3. How do judges use the Constitution when deciding cases?

Critical thinking questions

1. What did you learn about Antonin Scalia? Who does he remind you of?


2. How do you think the playwright prepared to depict one of the most famous figures in American public life?


3. What are the challenges of writing a well-known figure in a fictional play?


4. Why was the United States v. Windsor decision significant?