Arthur Miller’s classic American tale of witchcraft, mass-hysteria and retribution. Directed by Ewen Coleman

One of the classics of American Theatre, Arthur Miller’s play about witchcraft in the small town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692 is not only a powerful and dramatic historical play but is also a parable of contemporary society.

The Crucible tells the story of a young farmer John Proctor and his wife Elizabeth and a young servant girl Abigail Williams who maliciously causes the wife to be arrested for witchcraft. When Proctor brings Abigail to court to admit she is lying all the built up bigotry and deceit within the community comes terrifyingly to the surface, aided by those trying leading the witch-hunt, Reverend Hale and Deputy Governor Danforth. But instead of saving his wife Proctor himself is accused of witchcraft and as a consequence is ultimately condemned to death with many other innocent citizens.

This is a play, based on actual events, about mass hysteria and seeks to explain how well respected citizens came to be hanged for crimes they had not committed. It examines the motives of those who denounced them and of others who under pressure made false confessions. The conflicts of characters, emotions and principles are brought out in intensely dramatic scenes culminating Proctor’s ‘confession’.

Tuesday 14 August – Saturday 18 August 2007 at 8pm

Sunday 19 August matinee at 4pm

Tuesday 21 August – Saturday 25 August 2007 at 8pm

Gryphon Theatre, 22 Ghuznee Street, Wellington

Tickets $18 waged, $15 unwaged

$12 for block bookings of 10 or more

Bookings phone 385 4247

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