WJ’s very own Centerstage Theatre will be bringing Arthur Miller’s The Crucible to life on the stage November 1st through the 3rd.

As the lights dim in Centerstage Theatre, students are ready to step into the world of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Set to run from November 1-3, this year’s fall play brings a new perspective to the familiar story of the Salem Witch Trials, with a modern twist by Director Mr. Matia.

“I wanted to do something different,” said Mr. Matia, who is including contemporary elements. “It is a show I like, and with the English classes reading it, the collaboration felt perfect.”

The Crucible, written in the 1950s, explores themes of fear, hysteria, and accusation, which resonate with students today. The choice of the play aligns perfectly with the curriculum here because sophomores study it in their English classes. Teachers like Mrs. Rozman and Ms. Wyss see it as a unique way to deepen students’ understanding of the material.

“I am so excited that our drama club is putting on The Crucible!” said Mrs. Rozman. “The English Department plans to go and make a night of it. We act it out in class and watch the 1996 film.” Ms. Wyss added, “I think that sophomores will be able to connect with the play on a deeper level as they see their friends and classmates perform.”

For sophomore Sophie Boltuc, whose class recently finished reading The Crucible, watching her peers bring the characters to life is a special experience. “I think that high school kids playing the characters will bring a different perspective and kinda modernize it a little bit,” she said.

Though the play is set in the 1692, Mr. Matia’s production takes a fresh approach, focusing on the timeless themes of fear and accusation. The production introduces modern elements and connects today’s social issues.

“We’re not doing a lot of period costumes or sticking to period-specific stuff,” said Mr. Matia. “I want people to realize that witch hunts and accusations happen today, online, like cancel culture.”

The relevance of The Crucible’s themes is not lost on the students. Junior Grace Anthony, who takes on the challenging role of Abigail Williams, is particularly excited about the opportunity to portray this complex character.

“The most exciting part is getting to hang out with my friends after school,” said Grace. “But acting in intense scenes has been challenging. I’ve had to learn to act in a more dramatic and serious way.”

The play’s powerful messages about personal integrity, peer pressure, and fear are especially relevant for today’s audience.

Ms. Wyss shared that “at its core, the play explores issues like peer pressure, fear, and the consequences of mob mentality, which are all things that students encounter in their own lives. The play’s examination of personal integrity makes it relevant for students still figuring out their own values and place in the world.”

With performances scheduled from November 1^st through 3^rd, The Crucible will be more than just a night of entertainment for the WJ community. The play shows that the lessons from Salem’s past still matter today, especially in a world where fear and rumors can spread quickly and destroy innocent people’s lives.

“I read The Crucible last year, and I realized how much it relates to things we deal with today, like social media gossip and cancel culture,” said junior Rylan Batley. “I’m curious to see how they’ll show that in the play.”