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Krannert Center for the Performing Arts »
Address: 500 S. Goodwin Ave. Urbana, IL 61801
Phone: (217) 333-6700
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The UIUC Department of Theatre debuts its production of The Crucible at the end of this month at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Just in time for Halloween, the first performances are from Thursday to Saturday, Oct. 29 to Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m.

Richard Anderson, associate professor of theatre and the director of the production, said, “My intention is not to re-invent or conceptualize this great play but investigate with the cast, crew, designers and audience, what makes The Crucible alive today ... what still resonates and what fresh connections we can make.” He said they “plan to tell the story simply, highlighting the excellent actors of our department and the community.”

The Crucible, a Tony award — winning drama based on a true story and written by Arthur Miller, takes place in 17th Century Salem, Mass. In the small Puritan town, a dance in the woods leads to a witch-hunt when a group of young girls are caught in the forest participating in an occult — like ceremony. One of the most shocking events is when Abigail Williams, the Reverend’s daughter, is found drinking the blood of a chicken in order to kill the wife of her lover. Everything unravels from there. They accuse whomever they think are fraternizing with the devil himself as threats to the community. The girls take advantage of the obvious gullibility of the people around them. Accusations fly, lies spread and innocent townspeople are sentenced to the gallows. It is a tale of standing up for what is right in the face of malice and deceit.

Miller’s play comes to life yet again here in Urbana this fall. There will be performances at Krannert next month as well on Nov. 4 to Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m., as well Nov. 8 at 3 p.m.