'Crucible' cast fights H1N1
11/6/2009
By Laura Podgornik
Staff Writer
University Theatre will premiere Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ on November 12, whether or not students are “ill” prepared.
Director Cathy Fank says the flu virus has been a deterrent during key rehearsal time for the upcoming performance.
“Sickness has been doing us in,” said Fank.
The fairly large cast of twenty three is rarely ever completely assembled.
“It’s been hard to rehearse a scene without someone missing,” said Fank. “We’re working under a difficult situation. You don’t want someone with a fever there, but you need them.”
Even so, Fank says the show will debut as scheduled.
While ‘The Crucible’ is said to take on many topics, the show is based on the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s.
Fank says the play is an example of how history repeats itself. It is believed Miller wrote the play in response to Senator Joe McCarthy’s crusade against so called communists that had been blacklisted by the United States. Miller himself was questioned by the government and convicted of ‘contempt of Congress’ after not revealing sources he’d spoken to.
“People are so quick to judge and condemn others before they understand the situation,” said Fank.
Nonetheless, Fank is torn as to how she wants the play to impact students.
“I want them to enjoy the story and get involved with what the actors do. We’re making every attempt to engage the audience in what happens,” she explained “Yet, I also want them to think beyond the play and examine their own prejudices and judgments.”
Fank said it best herself when she stated, “I hate this play. I hate those people for what they did, but that’s why it’s important to do it.”
7:30 p.m. performances of ‘The Crucible’ will be in Manion Theatre on November 12, 13, 14, 20, and 21. A 1:00 p.m. matinee is scheduled for November 22.
Tickets are just $2 for students with a valid ID.
Director Cathy Fank says the flu virus has been a deterrent during key rehearsal time for the upcoming performance.
“Sickness has been doing us in,” said Fank.
The fairly large cast of twenty three is rarely ever completely assembled.
“It’s been hard to rehearse a scene without someone missing,” said Fank. “We’re working under a difficult situation. You don’t want someone with a fever there, but you need them.”
Even so, Fank says the show will debut as scheduled.
While ‘The Crucible’ is said to take on many topics, the show is based on the Salem Witch Trials of the 1690s.
Fank says the play is an example of how history repeats itself. It is believed Miller wrote the play in response to Senator Joe McCarthy’s crusade against so called communists that had been blacklisted by the United States. Miller himself was questioned by the government and convicted of ‘contempt of Congress’ after not revealing sources he’d spoken to.
“People are so quick to judge and condemn others before they understand the situation,” said Fank.
Nonetheless, Fank is torn as to how she wants the play to impact students.
“I want them to enjoy the story and get involved with what the actors do. We’re making every attempt to engage the audience in what happens,” she explained “Yet, I also want them to think beyond the play and examine their own prejudices and judgments.”
Fank said it best herself when she stated, “I hate this play. I hate those people for what they did, but that’s why it’s important to do it.”
7:30 p.m. performances of ‘The Crucible’ will be in Manion Theatre on November 12, 13, 14, 20, and 21. A 1:00 p.m. matinee is scheduled for November 22.
Tickets are just $2 for students with a valid ID.
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