23 March 2024 I 19:15 I Crucible Theatre, Sheffield
⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Crucible Theatre's adaptation of The Crucible (directed by Anthony Lau) is a gripping reinvention of Miller's text, reigniting the energy of 17th century Salem through our collective responsibility today. Between stage and house lights (Jess Bernberg), the audience are exposed in fleeting moments, illuminated to be conscious of ourselves. It is safer to be immersed in darkness, where lighting the spectator restores The Crucible in a modern lens of accountability.
This is enhanced through a replica of the theatre's 'Crucible' signage (pictured above), bringing the Sheffield landmark to the forefront of the narrative in shocking relevance. Georgia Lowe's minimalist design heightens emptiness, balancing the space to form angular levels of confrontation. Microphones highlight a confessional aspect, amplifying select lines to forward accusation or defence, a judicial force to language.
Lau's vision places emphasis on spoken word, even vocalising the stage directions to open and contextualise the production. The Crucible has been semi-modernised in a fusion of visual aesthetics, creating an ambiguous setting as the themes are relevant under any society. This can lead to confusion with intention, where contemporary anachronisms struggle (including the use of the middle finger) to be perceived in tense contexts.
The role of the woman really shines in this production, notably with Rose Shalloo's Abigail. She orchestrates the action with restrained menace, following the action in her omnipresence. Shalloo doesn't deliver overwhelming force, but her austere tone defines Abigail's malevolence. Laura Pyper as Goody Putnam showcases a grieved mother with strength, a worthy performance that delivers a greater capacity of conflict. And Anoushka Lucas (Elizabeth) expertly delivers the text with measured resilience alongside Simon Manyonda as a hardy yet vulnerable John Proctor, the troubled pairing containing the heartache of thousands in this generation.
The addition of song breaks up a story weighted by terror, principally the psalms in pure sound, led by a confident ensemble that overlook the hysteria. Lau's adaptation is immensely inspiring, and while some of the motifs may mislead, Miller's writing is thoroughly understood with the attention to gossip. So many conversations are sparked after watching this show!
Part of a shorter series of reviews, initially published on Instagram to manage university demand.
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