In an emotional ecosystem as complex as that of our planet, is life nothing more than survival of the fittest? Michael Hollinger based his probing work on the real-life giant tortoise named “Lonesome George”, and the efforts to preserve his species that threatened the livelihood of the native fishermen on the Galàpagos Islands.

This play is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series featuring science-themed plays. Major funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation, to enhance public understanding of science and technology in the modern world.

This recording also includes an interview with playwright Michael Hollinger as well as an interview with Carol Ann Bassett, the author of Galápagos at the Crossroads: Pirates, Biologists, Tourists, and Creationists Battle for Darwin’s Cradle of Evolution.

Jaime Alvarez as Pedro, Chico

Stephanie Beatriz as Ana Ortega

Daniel Chacon as Park Official, Tour Guide, Alberto

Richard Gallegos as Tito, Bernardo

Daniel Guzman as Gonzalo Reyes

Justin Huen as Jorge, Manuel

Jay Montalvo as Miguel Mendoza

W. Morgan Sheppard as Malcolm Geary

Jos Viramontes as Carlos Zavala

Cynthia Watros as Schuyler Baines

Directed by Jessica Kubzansky. Original Music by Mark Holden and Wes Dewberry. Recorded by L.A. Theatre Works before a live audience at the James Bridges Theater, UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television in July 2012.

Tooth and Claw is part of L.A. Theatre Works’ Relativity Series featuring science-themed plays. Major funding for the Relativity Series is provided by the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation to enhance public understanding of science and technology in the modern world.