The University’s Theatre Program showcased Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” on March 2nd through March 5th at the University of Guam’s Fine Arts Theatre.
UOG Associate Professor and Director, Michelle Blas, directed the play. Blas emphasized that this particular play recreated and fictionalized the actual Salem witchcraft trials that happened in Massachusetts in 1692 & 63.
“My direction and inspiration for putting together ‘The Crucible’ came from reading Miller’s work,” explained Blas. “My students do such a wonderful job of working as a team to make this production come to life.”
Stage Manager and Theatre major Roki Calvo also added “Student talents make a play that much more enjoyable to watch. It’s their drive as theatre majors that help pave the way for each successful show.”
Trevor Boykin, who was one of the students in the Audience said, “I’ve been watching the plays since last semester and so I was very excited to watch and attend once ‘The Crucible’ was announced.”
“It was truly an amazing experience,” Boykin added.
“Each semester I attempt to produce at least two plays,” added Blas. “It takes hard work, late nights, and a whole lot of dedication; which, is what many of the theatre students already have.”
Arthur Miller was inspired to write “The Crucible” because of his experiences during the McCarthy era – which was a moment in American history when tens of thousands of citizens were wrongly accused of being communists.
Joseph McCarthy, a Republican senator at the time, carried out special investigations of suspected Communists, many of whom were accused without proper evidence.
During the 1950’s, people who were believed to have Communists ties were immediately questions and thoroughly investigated by the government and special agencies in order to verify any idealism to overthrow the government, or treason in shorter terms.
Although the budget cut for “The Crucible” was slim to none, the students were able to make the set, props, and costumes with the materials that were used from previous plays.
The next play that the UOG’s theatre program will be exhibiting will be the “Laramie Project” that will take place sometime this month.