Play Details
Context
Place Premiered
Martin Beck Theatre, New York City (1953)
Artistic Director
George Devine
Dates Performed
Monday 9th April 1956
Main House (Downstairs)
Play Details
Synopsis
Massachusetts, in the late 17th century.
Trouble brews. Amidst the chaos of the 1692 witchcraft trials in Salem, a resident hatches a devious plot. Fueled by jealousy and revenge, she conspires to frame her ex-lover’s innocent wife as a witch, plunging the community into a whirlwind of hysteria and false accusations.
“The Crucible” delves into themes like mass hysteria, corrupt authority, fanaticism, and the impact of false accusations. It navigates complex moral dilemmas and the struggle between truth and self-preservation
Cast & Creative
Cast
Alan Bates
Cast
Rosalie Crutchley
Cast
Stephen Dartnell
Cast
Nigel Davenport
Cast
George Devine
Cast
Christopher Fettes
Cast
Barbara Grimes
Cast
Michael Gwynn
Cast
Kenneth Haigh
Cast
Helena Huges
Cast
Rachel Kempson
Cast
Agnes Lauchlan
Cast
Marcia Manolesceu
Cast
Joan Plowright
Cast
Josee Richard George Selway
Cast
Connie Smith
Cast
Robert Stephens
Cast
Mary Ure
Cast
John Welsh
Designer
Stephen Doncaster
Costume
Motley
What our readers say
What it is like reading this play now?
“The Crucible” is like a mirror reflecting the dangers of mass hysteria and how power can corrupt. It shows us how false accusations can ruin lives, serving as a warning against fanaticism. It’s a simple yet powerful plea for truth and justice, reminding us to be honest and fair in our own lives.
What does it tell us about the past and the present?
“The Crucible” still resonates today, echoing the perils of mass hysteria and the destructive impact of disinformation and conspiracy theories. It serves as a poignant reminder of how unchecked paranoia and the misuse of authority can fuel baseless accusations, underscoring the ongoing importance of truth and justice in combating misinformation.
You may also like...
