Category: Drama
Reviewed by Tilly Woodhouse (LI L6):
We filled the Ellis Theatre, keen to see the Penny Reading of The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Anticipation and expectation rose in the audience when confronted by the set which consisted of a simple stage of wood panelling and was dominated by a colossal cross suspended from the ceiling. This was in contrast to the modern twist on the opening sequence, when the ensemble danced to the pop song Release Me by Agnes, with highly skilled choreography, led by Georgie Staight (MM U6) playing the role of Tituba. The main focus of the play was the sombre story of John and Elizabeth Proctor- beautifully portrayed by Ivo Devereux (B1 Hu) and Ella Atterton (MO L6), who were very convincing as a couple. They made their tale one that brings sadness to the heart, portraying a marriage tested by the vicious and vindictive lies of Abigail Williams. Kelly Griffiths (CO L6) played Abigail very powerfully indeed, stressing her character’s infantile nature, vying for attention.
The scene transitions in which the ensemble moved around the stage in a dream-like state were chilling, and highlighted the disturbing juxtaposition in which the actions of the children had a devastating effect on the community, reducing people to hysteria. Rosie Morgan’s (EL L6) Mary Warren was a quivering wreck in the court scenes, in which the other actresses also gave spectacular, nerve-jangling performances, repeating all that Mary said, and reducing her to shuddering fits on the floor in an attempt to convince the court of the “loose spirits” amongst them.
Nikolai Navrozov (LI L6) gave a passionate performance as the Rev. Parris, pleading with Elizabeth to convince her husband to confess falsely and save his life. Having been so worn down by the inescapable weight of the false accusations, John faces the noose with his final words “You have taken my soul, leave me my name.” The couple’s last moments together were superbly illustrated by Ivo and Ella, standing alone on opposite corners of the stage, in
matching besmirched garments, thinly disguising Elizabeth Proctor’s pregancy. At the very end a solitary noose descended from the ceiling, and each of the accused stepped up onto a box, and was pushed off in turn to symbolise their hanging. The overbearing cross combined with the solitary noose made for a sombre final tableau. Overall this was a captivating and extremely sophisticated production.