The W, MSMS partner to present ‘The Crucible’
Mississippi University for Women and The Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS) are partnering to present Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play “The Crucible” Nov. 13-15 in Cromwell Theater. Auditions will be held Sept. 2-3.
“‘The Crucible’ was selected for its important place in early American history and its exploration of the Salem witch trials,” said Kathy Newman, director of The W’s Department of Theatre. “It remains a gripping and timely story about fear, power and society. And what better time to stage it than just after Halloween?”
Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” is a 1953 tragedy set in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692. The play dramatizes the Salem witch trials, beginning when the town minister discovers his daughter, niece and other girls dancing in the forest with his enslaved woman, Tituba. Rumors of witchcraft spread through the town, and the community becomes consumed by mass hysteria, false accusations and fear, largely driven by a vengeful teenager named Abigail Williams.
“I hope the plays we select help students see the connections between classroom education and the wider world,” said Laura Stewart, English faculty member at MSMS. “The Crucible connects to both American history and American literature classes and can prompt great discussions.”
Auditions for the production will be held Sept. 2-3 from 5-7 p.m. in Cromwell Theater. Auditions are open to university students, MSMS students and members of the community. No prepared audition material is required.
“Everyone who has a passion for the stage and wants to play and collaborate with The W and MSMS should come out for auditions,” Newman said. “We are looking for people who can play teenage girls and boys, as well as several adult roles.”
“‘The Crucible’ is a collaboration between The W and MSMS. This is the first production the two institutions have undertaken together, and we are excited about the possibilities with both theater groups involved,” Stewart said. “We will be bringing two talented groups of performers, designers and theater technicians together to produce a challenging and exciting play.”
General admission for the performances is $12. The W and MSMS students are admitted free with identification.
For questions about auditions or performances, please contact Stewart at lstewart@themsms.org or Newman at knewman1@muw.edu.