Tualatin High School’s theater department will present a powerful rendition of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible this March, bringing to life the tension and drama of the 1692 Salem witch trials. Performances will take place on March 7, 8, 14 and 15. Evening shows at 7:00 p.m. Saturday matinees are at 2:00 p.m.
Come experience The Crucible’s emotional depth and complexity at Tualatin High School—don’t miss this opportunity to witness a talented group of students showcase their passion for theater.
Jenn Hunter Tindle, the director of this production, shared her excitement about working with Tualatin High School’s talented cast and crew. The Crucible, with its gripping exploration of paranoia and injustice, offers a unique opportunity for students to delve into complex characters and intense emotions. “The themes are just still applicable. Last year when students were working on a small section of the play for a class, I had the opportunity to share information about the allegory within the story. The students begged us to produce the show, so the decision was really easy.”
Braden Fisher, who takes on the role of the conflicted John Proctor, has immersed himself deeply in the character’s inner turmoil. Proctor, a farmer in Salem, is one of the play’s central figures, wrestling with personal guilt and moral integrity as he battles the witch trials’ chaos. “This show is one that utilizes allegory, which means the play has hidden themes within it. The show is meant to be reflective of how society treats one another, so the play will always be relevant.”
Rook Smith, who plays the self-serving Reverend Samuel Parris, has embraced the character’s inherent contradictions—on one hand, a man of faith, and on the other, a figure consumed by power and paranoia. Parris’ role in The Crucible is crucial, as he fans the flames of the witch trials, using fear and hysteria to protect his reputation. “The Crucible was written in the 1950s during the Red Scare and is an allegory for McCarthyism. Characters are paranoid, accusatory, and scheming, constantly pointing fingers at alleged witches. Miller wrote this play as a warning against unfair prosecution by those in power, and the complexity of justice systems. This show is for middle school student on up”
Julia Humphries, who plays the role of Mary Warren, brings a quiet intensity to the character who struggles with the overwhelming pressure of the Salem witch trials. Mary is a servant in the Proctor household, and throughout the play, she finds herself torn between loyalty to her friends and the truth she knows. She states, “I love how drastically my character turns from being pure and innocent, to turning on those closest to her. She has a very interesting arc of betrayal that happens only when she realizes that her life is truly threatened.”
Many of the cast and crew have worked together on past TuHS Productions. Fun facts: 1) This is Rook’s third time playing a Reverend on stage, and all three of them have been British and 2) Grace Simpson and Julia won state last year doing a small snippet of this play. Grace is now playing Abigail again. This is a must-see for Tualatin citizens! Please come out to support the amazing cast and crew!
The Crucible
Performance Dates and Times:
When: Friday, Mar. 7, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 8, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Friday, Mar. 14, 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, Mar. 15, 2:00 & 7:00 p.m.
Tickets: Tickets available for purchase at the door and online. Limited ticket availability. $15/person tinyurl.com/4bt3uzvt
