Keynaya Thompson
Managing Editor
Arthur Miller’s canon work, “The Crucible” received a revival from the Broward College Theatre Department this semester. Written by South Campus’ 4 th Wall Theatre Club advisor and Assistant Professor, Jenna Wyatt, the college production, performed by an all-Broward College student ensemble, ran from March 21-30 on South Campus. Each show was prefaced by the designated house manager with trigger warnings of death and hanging. Along these warnings were a quick synopsis of the theme of the show: its exploration of themes related to McCarthyism and its urging of the audience to relate it to contemporary America.
Before the intermission came, the director’s vision was made clear. Through the psychological warfare and moralism brought on by the events of the Salem witch trials in West Virginia, the play is a commentary on themes of mass hysteria, abuse of power and extremism as it pertains to American society. The over-the-top and near campiness of the performances tied well into the emphasis needed for the audiences to understand the play’s message.
Outside of theatrical performance, the production of The Crucible by the BC theatre department was excellent. The elements of production streamlined to create a statement piece that at its best, leaves an impact on the audience as they poured out of the theater. The simplistic yet historically accurate set design that served as multiple residential homes, a courthouse and a jail established setting accurately. The sound and lightings highlight the looming dread of the plot, working suspense and creating tension and unease within the audience. The student-based cast delivered unique and powerful performances, some taking on multiple roles and all taken on the daunting task of a West Virginian accent. The latter made some of the lines hard to make out if you weren’t positioned in the front row but if you heard between the lines, it was easy to get the gist of the dialogue.
McCarthyism, the central inspiration for “The Crucible,” resonates deeply in modern-America, particularly post-2020. Leaving behind the four years of the Trump presidency and facing COVID-19, the Black Lives Matter protests, pizza gate and everything else in-between, the themes of persecution, hysteria, and morality mirror today’s society. Four years later, modern political and social dynamics have been described by some as gen-z puritanism with strict moral codes and moral-shaming if one is to deviate from them. The witch hunts and fear of being persecuted in Crucible mirror that cancel culture and left of right ideology that runs rampant today, where there is no room for error, immaturity, or in-betweenness. As the 2024 elections are months away and several world crises continue to flood student’s timelines from Palestine to Congo, society grapples with the need for truth, self-righteousness and justice. The Crucible is now more relevant than ever, not just with its through-provoking commentary on society, but its cruel ending exemplifying the consequences of extremism.
Whereas minor flaws may have distracted from the overall theatrical experience, the Spring production of The Crucible was a noteworthy success. Through its immensely talented cast, script, set design and sound and lighting effect, the production offered its audience not only entertainment but an opportunity for deep-thought and maybe even discourse.
Photos by Giuseppe Ruiz/ senior photography student