The Crucible still relevant today

Arthur Miller’s 1952 classic, The Crucible, has echoed through the decades prodding audiences to question how they judge others.

The Crucible is a fictional retelling of the 17th century Salem, Mass., witch trials with neighbours pointing fingers at long-time friends and neighbours to avoid the death penalty.

Miller wrote this drama during the McCarthy era when Americans were without proof, once again accusing fellow countrymen of being communists to escape the heavy hand of government.

In this post 9/11 era when the word ‘terrorist’ conjures up instant fear, it is again a play that mirrors the climate of uncertainty. And that is one of the main reasons St. Albert Catholic high theatre arts students are mounting this production at the Arden Theatre on March 15 and 16.

A provocative play, it explores how people handle integrity and Debbie Dyer, director of St. Albert Catholic high theatre arts program, sees many parallels to the high school scene.

“It really asserts the idea words have an acute meaning. We dismiss words too easily in our culture. The words spoken in Salem in 1692 accused neighbours and words have a power and weight. Today in high school, students are not aware of how much power they have. Sometimes you hear a word followed by ‘I was just joking.’ But the impact of the words has occurred while speaking them and that impact is irreversible. To say it’s a joke doesn’t change it.”

On a broader scale, Dyer feels The Crucible justly examines ethical and legal rights on both sides of the equation.

“The other side provokes a question – is the safety of the majority so important we can infringe on the rights of the minority?”

The play revolves around John Proctor (Michael Paruby), a fairly decent farmer whose one weakness was having an affair a year ago with Abigail (Alex Dawkins), the leader of group of girls who start the witchcraft accusations.

He ultimately chooses his wife, Elizabeth (Karina Cox), over Abigail and the lusty young woman takes her revenge through bitter manipulation.

Proctor is accused of witchcraft and can escape hanging if he names someone else. Does he name an innocent party for the sake of self-preservation or does keep his integrity and die?

“Michael puts the struggle right in the palm of his hand and carries it with him. You can feel it ripping him apart.”

This year Dyer is on maternity leave, yet still overseas the production. Directing in her stead are three former SACHS students: Aley Lowe, a co-director for Our Town (2010) and The Outsiders (2011), Quinn Hinch, a University of Alberta drama student, and Chloe Hensen, a U of A education student.

The trio has divided the duties with Lowe providing the overall vision, Hinch handling the character building and Hensen working on blocking, movement, set and costumes.

“This play is extremely deep and it’s a really good challenge for the kids. You can’t approach it lightly. It’s hard enough for professional actors, let alone high school students,” Hinch said.