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The main Crucible page is here
On the 21st September 2005, a production of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” was performed at The Barn Theatre in Oxted. Mainly watched by GCSE students, I have to admit that not many of us went into the theatre excited at the thought of sitting through a few hours of a play that we had no choice but to study. However, most of us left the theatre buzzing, extremely impressed with the performance and ready to tackle the forthcoming coursework.
To be perfectly honest, when reading a play in class, it is only a script to students, something that they have to read in order to pass their exams. However when watching it in The Barn Theatre, it was a dramatic, emotionally fuelled and powerful play that couldn’t help but make the most unenthusiastic student feel a part of the drama. This was helped by the historic and intimate setting, with the Barn Theatre seating just 244. I also felt that the first entrance was extremely well planned, with the opening characters entering through the audience, in their impressive and realistic costumes. This not only emphasized the emotions being felt by the characters, but made the audience feel that they were being included too.
One of the things that I noticed almost immediately was the range of ages within the cast. From the young actress playing Betty, to the actress playing Rebecca Nurse, I felt that they worked together remarkably well. It is not easy handling a large cast in such a small theatre, let alone trying to break down the barriers that age difference creates, but I admired the way that the cast co-operated and particular actors and actresses impressed me greatly. The actress that played Betty was brilliant, and seemed to show a great understanding of her character for someone so young. Even at GCSE level many of us find it very difficult to understand the language that the play is written in, let alone act it out, and to do this at such a young age I felt was outstanding.
I also thought that the relationship between Abigail and John Proctor was very well portrayed, and each impressed me both individually and together, with their on stage chemistry, complete involvement in the play, and constant focus throughout the performance. The visit earlier in the school day from the Paul Longhurst (director), Richard Allen (producer), Camilla Rockley (Abigail Williams) and Steve Palmer (John Proctor) was a great help in truly understanding the thought processes behind the performance, and this helped us to better understand the performance itself. Paul Longhurst came across as a lively, fun and committed individual, who had clearly put a lot of time and effort into creating an effective performance. The opportunity to direct a scene ourselves during this session gave us the chance to put our ideas to the cast, and made us all realise how difficult (yet fun!) directing a play can be. We were all very grateful that these members of the production took the time to come and visit us, and listened to our ideas as well as gave their own responses too. The session was a brilliant assistance when it came to watching Palmer and Rockley later that evening, and the transformation in appearance was remarkable. It was also interesting seeing them act throughout the play, having spoken to them as actors instead of characters earlier on in the day.
I realised whilst trying to analyse the different aspects of the play, exactly how much thought had gone into creating a realistic, yet understandable and powerful performance. Little things such as props on the mantelpiece and the use of accent made such a big difference in bringing the play to life. I was also very impressed with the effects that were used throughout the play, with daylight shining in through the left side of the stage despite the fact that we were watching the play in the evening. It was effects such as these that made the play so ‘real,’ and completely transported us from watching a play in a theatre in Oxted, to being involved in the Salem witch trials from the 17th century. Other effects simply made the play more dramatic, such as the use of enlarged shadow against a softly coloured background to show the girls dancing in the woodland. This was so much better than just seeing them dance on stage, as it left a lot to the imagination, which seems perfect considering that this part of the play is not scripted.
Another thing that helped to create such a realistic atmosphere was the high level of emotion that was displayed throughout. Reading the play on a Tuesday afternoon whilst you are all sitting at desks does not make you feel like reading the play with emotion, and you therefore lose so much of what Arthur Miller wanted to achieve. It was only when I watched this production that I realised the intensity of the emotion that was felt by the characters, particularly John Proctor. His violent rages and quick temper were very well captured, making me jump out of my seat several times throughout! However, at times I did feel that this character was portrayed as too aggressive, and that some of the loud outbursts were not appropriate for the situation in hand.
“The Crucible” is a play about the complete breakdown of a society, and there was an increasing feeling of this destruction as the play continued. In the second half, we got to see the consequences of the events in the first half, and we got to see a lot more of the actress playing Mary Warren, who managed to capture the emotional intensity of the situation very well. She showed a great understanding of the play, reacting realistically yet dramatically to the accusations made against her. Camilla Rockley had a less central role in this half of the play, however still gave her full attention to the other members of the cast, and reacted appropriately to every single comment made, without being false or unrealistic. To keep this level of attention through such a long production is remarkable, however many members of the audience found that the play went on for too long and could not maintain concentration. I understand that the play was long, but many people, students in particular found it a challenge to give the play their full attention for such a long period of time, especially so late at night.
When we were visited by Longhurst earlier that day, he said “‘The Crucible’ is an amazing play that speaks to you on many levels…it’s just up to you to find it.” To be honest, when he said that I wondered how I could possibly find these “levels” when I barely understood what the title meant. However, a combination of well designed setting, a creative director and extremely talented cast, helped many of us to gain a far greater understanding of the play, which will be a great help when it comes to examination. However, for many it was not just about that, but about applying our life values to those that were shown in the play. For a play set such a long time ago, that many of us would not have chosen to see beforehand, it is amazing how the morals and messages shown can still be applicable to life in the twenty first century and I know that I, along with many others, thoroughly enjoyed it, and are very thankful that we got the opportunity to see and be influenced by the production.
Jodie White
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