by Arthur Miller
directed by Martin Key

The Crucible is based on the search for witches in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, but was inspired by the 1950 search for communists launched by Senator McCarthy in the Department of State. Graves of those accused of witchcraft in theocratic Salem still exist and Miller’s play includes many of their names. The critical themes of Intolerance, Hysteria and Reputation mould the storyline in a society where, if anything does not belong to God, it belongs to the Devil, and dissent is associated with Satanic activity. Hints of witchcraft abound, but the protagonist, John Proctor, desires to preserve his reputation rather than testify against Abigail, with whom he has committed adultery. Eventually Proctor redeems himself and makes an heroic choice to go to the gallows with integrity rather than sign a false confession to witchcraft.