Review of The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Trinity’s fall play, The Crucible, occurred on November 10, 11, 17, & 18 in the Marg Kallemeyn Theatre. A full review was compiled by Julia Oostema, alumnus, 2023. The views expressed are solely those of the author.

From the very first scene, the audience becomes immersed in a story that is both thrilling and horrifying. We followed the plight of a single family whose house was plagued by a mysterious illness and quickly branched out to see an entire town suffering. The courts and the church rose to the occasion and began a massive investigation that would later be called the Salem witch trials.

The use of costumes, lighting, music, and dance worked together in a powerful way to make the play come alive. From the symbolic hanging of lanterns to the ominous instrumental music to the hooded figures swaying in the darkness, we, as the audience, were utterly captivated. It was almost as if we were invited into the story — a living, breathing, humbling historical moment from the past — and confronted by the reality of our present.

The play brought up endless questions: What is a community capable of when confronted by the possibility of supernatural powers? When opposing voices are each claiming to be with God, how do we determine who and what to believe? Who is to blame when things go wrong? How can we know who to trust and who to condemn? Do our religious practices make sense? Do our court proceedings make sense? Can we trust ourselves?

The main character, John Proctor — a flawed, honest, broken, noble, conflicted, doubtful man — makes an important choice at the end of the play. After signing a false confession that would render him guilty of witchcraft and save his life, he pushes back against public shaming. He will confess, he says, but he will not see his confession nailed to the church door and hung for the world to see. “How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”

Rather than ruin his reputation, Proctor decides to hang. He tears up the confession, walks to the gallows, and dies a tragic death. We, as the audience, are left heartbroken, convicted, inspired, and amazed. This whole community would have saved his life for a lie, but he chose to speak the truth.

May this play open our eyes and soften our hearts to the hurting people around us. May we learn to listen to silenced voices and stand up for the truth. May we emerge from the crucibles of our own lives as transformed human beings: people of love, justice, courage, and grace.

Bravo, Trinity Theatre!

CAST

Nyla Bellamy, Cristian Contreras, Owen Corbley, Liam Curtin, Emme Dyk, Eden Elling, Bianca Garcia, Liza Gavalova, Calvin Hilbelink, Sam Hoffman, MJ Huizenga, Adriana Klein, Alyssa Kuehl, Morgan Meinders, Mikey Moore, Nick Morrison, Mia Musick, Margaret Olaifa, Steven Polcyn, Luke Rotman, Tommy Welch

PRODUCTION LEADERSHIP, DESIGN TEAM, & CREW

Justine Andre-Jackson, Kayla Araiza (Bosman), Lilli Bruxvoort, Celeste Cannon, Nadia Foushi, MJ Huizenga, Carlie Jenkins, Ellie Kamphuis, Alyssa Kuehl, Morgan Meinders, Maddi Mills, Taylor Moes, Katie Oomkes, Olivia Oostema, Steven Polcyn, Jared Peters, Ethan Santema, Emma Schneider, Gabi Soerens, Ally Tillema, Anika Wicker, Ashley Yonkman