CRUCIBLE, THE

by Miller, Arthur

This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our contemporary society. The story tells “how small lies - children’s lies - build and build until a whole town is aroused and 19 men and women go to the gallows for being possessed of the Devil ... They are good men and women, upright, hardworking, compassionate and Godfearing ... (The story) focuses upon a young farmer, his wife and a young servant girl who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. The farmer brings the girl to court to admit the lie - and here, in this trial scene, is the big moment. It is a thrilling, bloodcurdling, terrifying scene, as it depicts the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit. The farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused, imprisoned and condemned.” [N.Y. Daily News]