The gripping drama of “The Crucible”, set in historic Salem, portrays the witchcraft purge as a sharp mirror reflecting the issues of modern society.
The 1953 play by American playwright Arthur Miller, explores how small lies can spiral into widespread distrust within a tight-knit community.
This is where personal vendettas mix with desires and old superstitions, sparking mass hysteria. The production also explores how the timeless allegory criticises senseless persecution as well as the damaging effects that baseless accusations can have.
The show, which is directed by Francoise Kock and Erik van Zyl, revolves around a group of girls who falsely accuse the townspeople of witchcraft to hide their own dabbling in the occult.
Abigail Williams leads the accusations, which result in the formation of a court to investigate the matter. Among the accused are John and Elizabeth Proctor, a couple dealing with their own marital issues.
John, having had an affair with Abigail, finds himself further ensnared when she accuses Elizabeth, hoping to take her place. John’s attempt to clear his wife’s name backfires as Abigail turns her sights on him.
Inspired by true events, the story ends tragically as John is arrested for witchcraft. He is then forced to make a choice: confess to a lie and save himself or maintain his innocence and sacrifice his reputation.
The cast includes Gillian Jones as Elizabeth, Andrew Goldie, who plays Reverend Hale and Martin Linnette, who will star as Judge Danforth.
Jones recently commented on The Playhouse Theatre’s Facebook page: “I am thrilled to be playing Elizabeth Proctor in this production of one of my favourite plays, ‘The Crucible’.”
“The complexity and depth of the writing, the emotional heft of the story: all of this make the play both challenging and incredibly rewarding to perform and, we hope, to watch!”
Goldie added on Facebook: “This will be my most challenging role yet and I am very excited and privileged to be part of this cast and help bring this incredible story to our stage. ‘The Crucible’ is a show not to be missed.”
Where: The Playhouse Theatre in Somerset West.
When: Friday, August 23, to Sunday, August 25, at 2pm. There will be more shows from August 29, to August 31, at 7.30pm.
Cost: Tickets start from R100 and can be purchased from Webtickets.
“The Agents”
This hilarious and cringeworthy play features the talented trio of Kyla Davis, Lisa Derryn Overy and Roberto Pombo.
Under the direction of Toni Morkel, the irreverent and macabre satire dives head-first into the ruthless world of property development, gentrification and the so-called Fancy Estate Living.
No one escapes their comically sharp critiques, from the slick real estate agents to clueless home buyers and those overzealous neighbourhood watch groups we all know too well.
“Join Venter, Linda and the ever-effervescent Brenda as they rip apart the absurdities of the real estate industry,” a statement read.
The staging of the show in the Mother City comes hot on the heels of knock-out performances in Johannesburg and the recent National Arts Festival, which was held in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape, where it snagged a Standard Bank Ovation Award.
Where: The Drama Factory in Somerset West.
When: Thursday, August 22, and Friday, August 23, at 7pm. There will also be a show on Saturday, August 24, at 3pm
Cost: Tickets range from R160 to R180. Bookings can be made on the Drama Factory’s website (www.dramafactory.co.za).
“Vlooi en die Olimpiese Vlam”
When the magic key starts to glow, a group of friends are off on yet another adventure. This time, they’re heading to Paris. Not the one in the Free State, but the famous city far away where people eat frog legs and the Mona Lisa watches you with a smile.
And guess what? They’re just in time for the 30th Olympic Games. But the Olympic Flame has been stolen and there are a few suspects.
The group must solve the mystery and find the flame before the games begin. Could it be Cupid with his bow and arrow, the athlete from Rome who thinks he’s a gladiator or the French singing sensation, Fleur? Even the president of France is offering a big reward to anyone who can help find the flame.
“Vlooi en die Olimpiese Vlam" (Flea and the Olympic Flame) stars Minke Marais, Eldon van der Merwe, Christelle Webb-Joubert, Mia van der Merwe and Kerscha Titus.
It is directed by theatre veterans Margit Meyer-Rödenbeck and Marinda Engelbrecht with musical direction by Coenraad Rall.
Where: The Artscape Theatre in Foreshore.
When: Saturday, August 24, at 2pm.
Cost: Tickets start from R100 and are available at Webtickets.