The first mainstage production of the School of Theatre and Dance’s season, “The Crucible,” will show audiences the importance of honesty and the impact of storytelling at the Wright-Curtis Theatre Sept. 27 through Oct. 2.
“The Crucible,” written by Arthur Miller, is a response to political turmoil Americans were facing in the 1950s. The story mirrors past events surrounding McCarthyism and the Red Scare with circumstances of the Salem Witch Trials in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts.
“That is why it was so interesting for Miller writing this in reaction to the McCarthyism era,” Amy Fritsche, associate professor and the play’s director, said. “It already happened in Salem, Massachusetts.”
In the play, Abigail Williams and a group of young women accuse their community of participating in witchcraft. John and Elizabeth Proctor, among others, were accused of participating, sending shockwaves through the town. While characters like John and Elizabeth prove their innocence, the events that follow detail the effects of fear and hysteria.
Casper Dickey, a senior musical theatre major who plays John Willard, a town deputy of Salem, said several of the story’s themes stuck with him during the rehearsal process.
“It is about stories that we tell ourselves that we are not willing to change,” Dickey said. “At what point are we willing to allow someone else’s perspectives to change the story we tell ourselves?”
Dickey describes his character as a tragic comedian and said his character provides comic relief to the show’s heavy themes.
Madison Shannon, a senior musical theatre major and the production’s assistant director, said she hopes the show will help audiences understand the importance of hearing different viewpoints.
“I hope people take away the value of listening to other people,” Shannon said. “Throughout the show, you see new discoveries being brought in, which are not fully valued. Listening to every side of a story and fully taking it into consideration is important.”
To tell this tale, the cast and crew, made up of at least 100 people, have spent the rehearsals working together to bring the play to life.
“I have been so impressed with all of the effort that has been put in by each individual, in both the performance and tech aspect of the show,” Shannon said. “I hope that people come to recognize the massive amount of effort people have been putting in.”
If students want to get into the fall mood, Dickey said attending “The Crucible” will help them feel closer to the season as it changes.
“It is a very spooky show — it lines up perfectly with the upcoming Halloween season,” Dickey said. “If you want to learn more about the Salem Witch Trials, come see it.”
Reflecting on the play’s story as a whole, Fritsche said theatre is able to make the audience pause and view the world in a different light.
“There are times in which we should be confronted with a mirror, and let art influence the way we think of the world,” Fritsche said. “Stop for a second and see if the actions that we are currently taking are hurting someone unintentionally. Theatre has the power to do that.”
Full-time Kent State students can see “The Crucible,” and other arts events on campus, for free by using their Arts Pass with a valid student ID. Tickets can be purchased at the Performing Arts Box Office in the Center for the Performing Arts or by visiting the ticket link to reserve tickets.
Maya Lee is a reporter. Contact her at [email protected].
