The Crucible

When the town Salem is mentioned, most people think of the witch hunts of 1692/93 in what is now the state of Massachusetts, USA.  The mass hysteria based on rumour, revenge and a fanatical belief in the Puritan religion led to the execution of over twenty innocent people. Arthur Miller has taken this historical event as an allegory of what was happening in 1953, when the play was first performed, with a similar witch hunt for communists under the guidance of Senator Joseph McCarthy. Miller made the girls older to make the relationship with Proctor more real to a modern audience but it is based on mainly historical fact.

The audience has to realize that plays were longer in the 1950’s – as were films -  but this production has more than enough to keep everyone’s attention from the thought provoking romp by the girls in the forest to the final dramatic ending. Director Brenda White has staged the play in a comparatively open set with stark trees in the background. In this setting, the action flows very freely with excellent inter-action between all the characters. With good casting and excellent costuming, she has brought Salem before our eyes.

There were no real weaknesses in the cast of twenty-two, but one actor stood out. He was Reagan Warner who was John Proctor, in many ways the key character. It was a very good interpretation of this character and the wide ranging emotions the part demanded. Dominic Tennison as Danforth was also very good as a superior, nasty piece of goods. Drew Lochrie, Greg Scurr and Jon Darbro helped make the final scenes very effective. Elizabeth Best’s Elizabeth Proctor was an excellent rock in the changing atmosphere. I should also mention Claire Argente as Abigail Williams and Leah Fitzgerald-Quinn as Mary Warren, as both brought the key characters to life. At times diction was not clear but that was only a fleeting temporary distraction of a very good, well directed production.

This production of The Crucible makes you, the audience, become mentally and emotionally involved- so much so I did not notice the passing of time. Well done, Arts Theatre and director, Brenda White.

William Davies