Written by Arthur Miller in 1953, at the height of the McCarthy Communist ‘witch-hunts.’ It is set during the Salem witch trials in a small Puritanical town in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during 1692-93.
When a group of girls are spotted dancing naked in the woods and then start fainting and acting strangely, it is claimed they have the danced with the Devil and should be hanged as Witches. Reverend Parris’ (Greg Scurr) young daughter Betty (Sarah Wilson) and niece Abigail Williams (Claire Argente) start having ‘fits’ on returning from the woods. Reverend Parris finds Betty screaming, making devilish noises and contorting herself into strange positions. The doctor blames the supernatural, caused by the girls “dancing for the devil!” When Ann Putnam (Hayley Fielding) starts having similar episodes, Minister Hale (Marselan Wignall), an expert in demonic possession is brought into the town to diagnose if the girls are under the spell of Witchcraft.
As hysteria takes hold many more women are accused, fuelled by a convincing Abigail who has a personal vendetta against John Proctor (Reagan Warner), with whom she had an affair whilst working as his servant. She manages to create mass panic using devilish accusations against both the elder and younger women including John’s Wife, Elizabeth (Elizabeth Best) and the poor beggar woman, Sarah Goody (Hayley Fielding.) Under pressure from the magistrates, played by a commanding Dominic Tennison and Corey Drew, the girls ban together and blame the three women for afflicting them with Voodoo and Witchcraft. Under pressure, many more of the towns-women are accused, resulting in the hanging of many innocent God-fearing women.
Although based on a true story using the same characters, Arthur Miller also wrote The Crucible as an allegory for McCarthyism, when the United States government ostracised people for being communists, causing a similar style of witch hunt. However, back in 1692, the puritanical society believes in witches and the power of darkness, and its ability to wreak havoc and destruction. The young would-be witches seem to have gained all of the power…
The Crucible is presented by The Brisbane Arts Theatre with a large talented cast of 22 actors, some of whom are still at school. The set, designed by George Goldsmid is simple, but chilling, utilising a backdrop of bare trees accentuated by moody lighting from David Willis. The costumes, designed by Frances Foo, are superbly puritanical with bonnets, aprons and breeches.
If you enjoy the supernatural and a good Witch Hunt of hysterical proportions, The Crucible is the play to see!
By Dr Gemma Regan
The Crucible by Arthur Miller,
Directed by Brenda White
Brisbane Arts Theatre until 6th May 2018