An indisputable masterpiece of twentieth century theatre is revisited in this landmark production, with David Wenham tackling one of the most challenging roles in the dramatic canon. Written at the height of 1950s McCarthyism, this timeless classic will be directed by MTC’s Associate Artistic Director, Sam Strong.
After being caught dancing in the forest late at night with her friends, a young girl suddenly collapses. Her unexplained illness fuels rumours of witchcraft and puts the God-fearing citizens of Salem tight in the grip of hysteria.
Allegations fly during an unprecedented witch-hunt and locals are forced to prove their innocence or face the fatal consequences. As the hunt narrows in on Elizabeth Proctor, her husband John must decide whether to save his wife from unjustified persecution or hide his own dark sin.
“Working on The Crucible with David Wenham is a dream come true. I have wanted to direct the play since I first saw it as a teenager, and I have wanted to work with David since I first saw his incendiary performance in The Boys,” said Strong.
“The Crucible is as close to perfection as a plot can get. And it is one of the most powerful experiences an audience can have in the theatre. We can’t wait to unleash that power for Melbourne audiences.”
One of the twentieth century’s greatest writers, Arthur Miller’s most famous plays include Death of a Salesman, All My Sons and A View From the Bridge. Three years after The Crucible was written, Miller was called to testify before the House Un-American Activities Committee in 1956, however Miller refused to name people he allegedly saw at a Communist writers’ meeting a decade before.
He was convicted of contempt in 1957 but later won an appeal. His screenplays include The Misfits, starring his then wife, Marilyn Monroe, The Hook and Everybody Wins. Miller’s writing earned him a lifetime of honors, including the Pulitzer Prize, seven Tony Awards, two Drama Critics Circle Awards, an Obie, an Olivier, the John F Kennedy Lifetime Achievement Award, and the Dorothy and Lillian Gish Prize. He died on 11 February 2005.
The Crucible
The Sumner, Southbank Theatre – 140 Southbank Blvd, Southbank
Season continues to 3 August 2013
Bookings: (03) 8688 0800 or online at: www.mtc.com.au
For more information, visit: www.mtc.com.au for details.
Image: by Marcel Aucar