The Crucible - by Arthur Miller

Gisborne Unity Theatre presents Arthur Miller's acclaimed play, The Crucible.

When Arthur Miller wrote his play, America was in the grip of conspiracy trials headed by Senator Joseph McCarthy, intent on exposing supposed Communist sympathisers, especially in the field of liberal arts.

Miller’s drama took as its theme the notorious witchcraft mania that swept Massachusetts in 1692. In the village of Salem alone, nineteen innocent people were executed for supposedly selling their souls to Satan. Malice, superstition, petty rivalries and hysteria accounted for both accusations and condemnations: demonic possession was completely illusionary.

For modern audiences, strong relevance lies in this. Social media often creates victims, especially among the young. The power of fundamentalist religious belief frequently warps the ability to reason and to exercise compassion. Ludicrous concepts create conspiracy theories supported by minimal evidence. The testimony of children, manipulated by contrived lines of questioning, sometimes leads to the condemnation of innocent teachers and care-givers. The resonances of THE CRUCIBLE are many and varied.

This production, directed by Norman Maclean, has a strong cast of twenty who make this powerful drama a memorable theatrical experience.
Play run time approx 2 1/2 hours (plus interval)
There will be door sales, subject to availability. Doors open 7pm (2.30 pm for matinees). Arrival in good time is recommended, as late admittance is not always possible in our theatre.

By arrangement with Music Theatre International Australasia Pty Ltd, on behalf of Dramatists Play Service Inc.
Supported by Creative Communities NZ and Gisborne District Council
Image by Bill Graves, supplied courtesy of Port Tobacco Players - https://www.facebook.com/porttobacco.players