St Mary's School Calne
The School Production of The Crucible
A Dramatic Triumph:
The powerful social, religious and political messages of Arthur Miller's most universally performed play, The Crucible, were brought to life in the Delscey Burns Theatre with overwhelming emotional intensity.
The maturity and intellectual integrity of the performers in this forty strong ensemble greatly impressed our audiences over three nights last December.
Our production was performed in the round, the most challenging form of staging for actors, but the most intimate, encouraging the audience to share the austere and harrowing world of Puritan New England in the 1960's, especially in the terrifying court scenes of the famous third act. Every single actor, from MIV Form to LVI Form gave a superlative performance. However, mention must be made of the creation of magnificent lead roles by members of the LVI Form such as that of John Proctor, played by Emma Pearce, Elizabeth by Georgina Ball whose emotional maturity stunned audiences, and the hauntingly beautiful and terrifying Abigail by Sophie Russell. Mayowa Onabanjo, from the LV Form, gave a riveting performance as Tituba, while Alex Webb, also from the LV Form was moving as the terrified Mary Warren.
Miss Leadbetter, director, said it was the strongest ensemble she had ever worked with, particularly as the completely student-led backstage crew, operated with outstanding professionalism. Victoria Manson, Deputy Head Girl, and Danielle Darko, Head of Student Council, were production managers, assisted by Lucy Williams from the LVI Form and a first class student production team. Powerful art direction and design were led by Annabel Landless, Art Scholar, and Olivia Tandy, both from the LVI Form.
The Crucible (1953), has a history at St Mary's. Performed once before in Top Hall in the 1980s, prior to the Delscey Burns Theatre being built, its cast included the well-known Jade Jagger as Tituba. The 2005 version of The Crucible was yet another remarkable production of a remarkable play.
