'The Crucible' (2014)
Opening thoughts: My first full production of any of Arthur Miller's plays was the 2019 National Theatre Live production 'All My Sons', which was a truly powerful experience still remembered quite vividly to this day. 'The Crucible' is every bit as powerful a play in its own way, and scary in its relevance. The story is darkly haunting and emotional and the dialogue while wordy (true with all Miller) hits hard and provokes thought. My opinion of Richard Armitage is very high, despite him too often being a lot better than what he chooses to star in.
This was a truly extraordinary production in every way, with everything that is so great about the play intact while not playing it safe. After being very underwhelmed by 2017's 'Salome', also directed by Fael Farber (visually stunning and well acted generally, but something of a perplexing slog), this production of 'The Crucible'. And the infinitely superior production of the two, with it being more cohesive, much more arresting and more accessible and more tasteful dramatically.
Good things: Everything. First and foremost, it is very visually striking with a lot of dark brooding atmosphere that never looks too grim while not being too clean. The dream-like opening and the lighting particularly stand out. The music has a genuine creepiness that gels with the dark drama more than ideally. Farber's stage direction is remarkable, maintaining the play's integrity and spirit while giving it a refreshing and for this play unique visceral rawness.
Everything here is done in very good taste with no gratuity or pacing lulls and there was no issue had following the story or understanding Farber's intentions. Particularly well done were the bone chilling courtroom scene and the very uncompromising depiction of panic and fear in the community at that time, which felt incredibly authentic and actually very scary in its relevance.
Can't fault any of the performances, Armitage brings great intensity and depth to his tortured, conflicted soul of a character and Samantha Colley absolutely sears in the courtroom scene. Miller's dialogue still hits hard hugely and it is very unyieldingly hard edged and thought provoking.
Closing thoughts: Summing up, extraordinary.
10/10.
