The McDonald College Acting Stream is staging the Tony award-winning play and current HSC text, The Crucible, from 20–22 June at the College Conference Centre in North Strathfield.
What would you choose? The truth or your life?
The Crucible tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials, where those accused face a choice of confessing to a crime they did not commit or maintaining their innocence and facing execution.
“Miller is recognised as one of the most influential American playwrights of his time. Students at the College are studying this work for HSC English. The work’s central themes have currency today. It serves as a reminder about the ramifications of the abuse of power, and how critical thinking and independent thought are crucial to holding oneself and those in power to account,” said Head of Acting Mr Greg Friend.
The play, set in the late 1600s in colonial Massachusetts, provides a powerful commentary on how unchecked accusations can destroy lives and how mob mentality can turn people into monsters.
When some local girls are caught illegally dancing in the woods, they avoid punishment by accusing others in the village of practising witchcraft. Gossip ensues, and the entire town descends into hysteria and suspicion. People are arrested and put on trial. The trials expose the flaws and frailties of human nature. After all, how do you choose between standing up for the truth or risking your life?
Year 12 student Nick Annas – whose professional credits include The Tourist and Soundtrack to Our Teenage Zombie Apocalypse – plays the role of Judge Danforth.
“I hope patrons leave the theatre with a newfound appreciation for canonical works. 70 years after The Crucible’s first performance, we continue to fear the unknown and turn to the supernatural for an explanation, proving Miller’s words, although dated, do not falter to resonate,” says Nick.
EVENT DETAILS
The Crucible: Tuesday 20 – Thursday 22 June at 7pm
The McDonald College, 17 George St North Strathfield
Tickets from $10. On sale from 29 May.
Free parking is available at the College, which is located at North Strathfield train station if you are taking public transport. There are many pre-theatre dining options within easy walking distance.
About The McDonald College
The McDonald College is an independent, non-denominational, co-educational K – 12 school in North Strathfield, NSW. In addition to academic studies through to the NSW HSC, they offer a range of programs in performing arts and elite sports, including acting, classical ballet, contemporary dance, commercial dance, music, musical theatre, technical production, elite tennis, and rhythmic gymnastics.
The sheer number of alumni who have performed alongside Toni Collette, Russell Crowe, Johnny Depp, Chris Hemsworth, Dwayne Johnson, and Margot Robbie is testimony to our world-class teaching in acting.
Alumni include Akos Armont (Pirates of the Caribbean), Tim Draxl (In our Blood), Sophie Lowe (The Beautiful Lie), Ayesha Madon (Heartbreak High), Bojana Novakovic (Love Me), and Emma Watkins (former Wiggle).
For more information, visit: mcdonald.nsw.edu.au/crucible
