North revives 'The Crucible'
| Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 05:21 PM
Last Updated Wednesday, Nov 18 2009 05:21 PM
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About 'The Crucible'
The play takes place in the province of Massachusetts Bay during 1692 and 1693. Young girls are caught playacting at casting spells. To avoid punishment, they falsely accuse neighbors of witchcraft. Fueled by fears, jealousy, secrets, lies, and greed, the ensuing arrogance resulted in the hanging deaths of 19 people convicted of such charges as "sending their spirit out." Celebrated American playwright Arthur Miller wrote the play as a response to McCarthyism, the era when the U.S. government blacklisted accused communists in the 1950s.
GO & DO
What: "The Crucible"
When: 7:30 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday
Where: O'Neill Hall at North High, 200 Galaxy Ave.
Admission: $4
"The Crucible," Arthur Miller's dramatization of the Salem witchcraft trials, is studied and performed at schools around the country because of its status as a revolutionary work of theater.
But the themes of jealousy, lies, greed and hysteria that make it such a compelling work take on greater significance considering what's going on in the country today.
"The play is timeless as an indictment against greed and corruption," said director Larry Orr, theater teacher at North. "The witch hunt in Salem was led by the arrogant and wealthy, some who stood to gain materially from the accused. As we have seen lately, whole economic systems have been engulfed in insolvency, and the makers of wealth bailed themselves out with hundreds of billions of tax dollars.
Meanwhile, tens of thousands, mostly from the ranks of the poor and unsuspecting, stand to lose any wealth they may have had and many lives have been thrown into disarray and disgrace. The powerful have always exploited the common man; it's how they stay in power."
The play, which was previously performed at North in 1991, features some veterans of the Star Players, such as senior Justus Lindsey, who plays the tragic figure John Proctor. Lindsey was last seen in the role of Sultan in "Don't Drink the Water," and played Jonathon Brewster in "Arsenic and Old Lace."
Also featured is senior Denise Pliska, who came to North last year and has performed in some outstanding scenes in competition. She will play Abigail Williams, the young vixen who leads her disciples to falsely accuse others of witchcraft. Of her role, she says, "I have read the book and it gave me insight as to how to portray Abigail. She's extremely manipulative and seductive. She has a great power over others."
Other cast members include veterans as well as newcomers.
Senior Michael Lewis, who plays Reverend Hale, says, "This being my first play, I am very nervous yet excited at the same time. The character I play, known as John Hale, is a good role for my first play and I am very glad to be in this production. Mr. Orr has helped me a lot to prepare for this play by giving me tips and helping me along the way. I believe we will put on a great performance."
Senior Calvin Penkauskas, who plays Danforth, says: "Arrogance corrupted the Puritan government, and we must learn from those forefathers so that we do not make their mistakes again."
Sarah Mobley, who is a student in Orr's drama class, is assisting in the production and is the assistant stage manager. She says, "We have all really come together as a family for this play and it has been an absolutely amazing experience. And I think it will defiantly be one for the books."
-- North High Drama Department
