At a couple of points in "A Passion for Justice," the engrossing one-man play about Clarence Darrow on the boards at Everyman Theatre, the famed lawyer reminds his listeners that "history repeats itself — that is one of the problems with history." Paul Morella, who co-wrote the play with Jack Marshall, delivers those words in a slightly world-weary way that speaks volumes about the cases and causes that occupied Darrow.

From his efforts on behalf of organized labor and victims of racial hatred (the jurors "were prejudiced and they rose above it") to his spirited defense of intellectual freedom in the classroom and his eloquent plea on behalf of despicable thrill-killers, Darrow left his mark on many a "trial of the century." In the process, he developed a keen sense of human nature and potential ("If people can think, they can learn"), and he maintained a pretty decent value system himself, even if he wasn't above tricks (or worse) to win a case.

Conversational passages in the play neatly dispense necessary bio nuggets; actual summations to the jury provide the bulk of the text and the drama. For those passages of courtroom oratory, the lighting comes up and Morella moves in close to the audience, as if all present were on the jury. Thanks to the actor's masterful, finely-tuned performance, you can't help but hang on every word, or feel swayed by the arguments.

The play unfolds in unfussy, chronological fashion on a simple set that suggests a vintage law office in the process of being dismantled and packed away, its legacy in danger of being forgotten. "A Passion for Justice" makes a vibrant and valuable case for putting Darrow and his brilliance back into the limelight.

Performances continue through Saturday at Everyman Theatre, 1727 N. Charles St. Tickets are $30. Call 410-752-2208 or go to everymantheatre.org.