THE CRUCIBLE

Brave attempt from fledgling theatre ensemble has a visually appealing quality. (Review by Viresh Prahalath)

The Crucible, originally written by Pulitzer-winning playwright Arthur Miller, is a riveting text which offers a constant level of soaring drama where the stakes are always high. If you aren’t familiar with the play already, you are in for an emotional roller coaster ride with unpredictable twists and turns.

Debut director Darrel Nakul brings to life this great work of American literature which is a set work choice for many high schools in Durban. The production offers an authentic experience of the climate of hysteria, mistrust, and deceit that was present during a time where the people were ideologically governed by the rigid authority of the church desperately trying to hold on to power.

The opening scene of the play begins with an African melody sung in the silence of the theatre as white drapes are drawn off pieces of the unlit set. This slightly eerie atmosphere serves as a good preamble to the events to come.

The story begins with Reverend Parris (Simeme Xulu) praying over his daughter Betty (Yeshika Naidoo) who has seemingly been bewitched as a result of performing a strange ritual in the woods with Abigail Williams (Tamlynn Avis) and the other girls of the town. Rumours spread. The church gets involved and the various members of this town begin a descent into pure inquisitional chaos. The viewer is emotively enthralled by the constant barraging of many of its characters as they throw accusations at each other, knowing that the conviction of their stories (and lies) is crucial to their very survival.

Added to this, are characters that have dark hidden motivations based on hate, power and revenge. Abigail plays a key part in driving the plot as it is her hate for Salem and desperation to be John Proctor’s wife that leads to much of the upheaval we see on stage. The actor does give us glimpses of subtext which helps drive the action.

Rob Klarmann adequately portrays John Procter, a character caught in the middle of the drama as a result of committing adultery with Abigail who in turn accuses his wife of being a witch in order to get rid of her. A memorable part of his performance is when he refuses to sign a false confession of being bound to the devil in order to protect his name, which at this point he values over his life. A definite highlight of the play is this tear-jerking moment which represents a turning point in history where the people of Salem begin to rebuke its absurd authority structure.

Another striking feature of the play is its strong rendition of the political climate of Salem’s theologically-centred regime and the persecution it dealt out to people in order to retain its faltering power. The character of Deputy Governor Danforth represents the epitome of this system with his authoritative, controlling voice delivering searing questions (despite his inner cowardice), a fine performance by actor Thami Skhosana.

Personally, as a South African, it would be hard to ignore The Crucible’s similarity to our political past where ruling structures relied on propaganda to control people and tried to set examples with famous freedom fighting figures to instil fear and subjugate. There is a variety of other themes that are evident in the play such as intolerance of those that are different and the power of hysteria that is capable of driving communities apart.

The set and costume worked well. They had enough elements of “old day” in them to take our imagination back to the period of 1692 while at the same time being functional enough for relatively short scene changes.

This brave attempt from a fledgling theatre ensemble does manage to work even though there are times that the text was lost due the inaudibility of certain characters. However, it still has a visually appealing quality as there are always exciting, dramatic and entertaining things happening on stage.

Other known faces include Mayuri Naidu from television soapie Muvhango fame who does a good job in portraying the vulnerability of Mary Warren, a young girl trapped in pressurised circumstances way out of her league. Raeesa Abdul Karrim from Lotus FM’s popular radio drama Lollipop Lane plays Ann Putnam gracefully despite being cast at extremely short notice. Lyschelle Linderboom from Stable Theatre’s Nkanyezi – The Star gives a strong and convincing performance as Elizabeth Procter.

The Crucible runs at the BAT Centre until May 7. Weekday show times are 18h00 with matinee shows for high school students at 10h00. There are also weekend performances at 10h00 and 15h00. Bookings at Computicket. - Viresh Prahalath