The Crucible opens at Malaspina Theatre October 27

A powerful play that reveals how mass hysteria can overcome a society when social, political or religious foundations are challenged opens at Malaspina University-College Theatre on October 27 and runs until November 5.

The Crucible, a classic written by American playwright Arthur Miller, features student actors enrolled in Malaspina’s Theatre department. Director and acting instructor Ross Desprez said the play "will be a highly dramatic event that Nanaimo theatre-goers should not miss."

In 1953, The Crucible premiered as an allegory comparing the Salem witch-hunts of 1692 to the McCarthy trials which were bent on rooting out communism.

"The contemporary significance of The Crucible is clear as we watch the world becoming more paranoid about terrorism," said Desprez. "As we watch the United States turns its defenses towards the threats of Middle Eastern terrorists, its own citizens’ political and religious allegiances are once again brought into question, and the very rights and freedoms they defend are challenged and compromised.

"Paranoia breeds rumours, grudges and finger pointing, which traps the innocent through guilt by association," he said. "People will lie to protect themselves from persecution, lies compound themselves and whole wars can be started over perceived truths."

Desprez hopes the Malaspina production will instigate discussion among audience members "as to what they perceived to have witnessed and how it relates to them and their world. I think that’s the purpose of theatre and art," he said.

Desprez chose The Crucible for the fall production because "we’re always looking for plays that allow us to get as many students on stage as possible. At Malaspina, we have the resources (students) to produce many shows that professional companies can’t afford to do," he added. However, Desprez said there are several challenges when mounting a show like The Crucible.

"There are several mature roles in this play and I have young adult actors," he said. "I really don’t want to have a 20-year old actor wearing a white powdered wig and a fake beard in a funny pilgrim hat. That wouldn’t be very natural."

To deal with the age issue, Desprez is presenting the play in a "Brechtian style." The audience will feel as though they are witnessing an event rather than being passive observers of a story.

"Since the primary action of the play is people testifying in the Salem witch trials, it seemed logical to make the audience feel like they are jurors witnessing testimony," added Desprez. Professional set designer Bill Adams of Victoria created an arena like set around the stage. Actors will sit on benches along side of the audience, wait for their cues, and take on the character they’re playing. "There’s no pretending that the student is actually being a certain character," explained Desprez. "They will present the character so the audience may examine them and judge their actions."

Evening performances of The Crucible take place at 8 pm on October 27, 28, 29 and November 3, 4, and 5 in the Malaspina University-College Theatre, 900 Fifth Street, Nanaimo. Matinee shows run Monday to Friday at 12 noon on October 31, November 1, 2, 3 and 4. Tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students and seniors. Call 740-6100 for reservations.