The Crucible

The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953. The play is set in the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, and is based on the real-life Salem Witch Trials of the late 17th century. The play is a powerful and intense exploration of the dangers of mass hysteria, repression, and the abuse of power.

The play follows the story of John Proctor, a farmer and respected member of the community, and his wife Elizabeth, who are accused of witchcraft by a group of young girls led by Abigail Williams, their former servant. Proctor is torn between his desire to clear his name and protect his reputation and his fear of revealing a past adultery with Abigail.

The play's central theme is the destructive power of fear and the manipulation of authority. The characters are confronted with the choice between standing up for what is right or conforming to the false accusations and lies of the community. The play is set against the backdrop of the religious fervor and the strict social order of the Puritan society and the characters' moral choices are put to the test.

The Crucible is a powerful and thought-provoking play that explores the human condition in the face of injustice, intolerance and the abuse of power. It's a classic of American literature that continues to be performed and studied worldwide. It's a play that resonates with contemporary audiences and remains relevant to this day.

Lyndsey Turner (Hamlet) directs this contemporary new staging, designed by Tony Award-winning Es Devin (The Lehman Trilogy). Captured live from the Olivier stage at the National Theatre.