Argo Community High School theater students are scheduled to stage “The Crucible” at 7 p.m. Oct. 22-24 in the school’s Portillo Performing Arts Center, 7329 W. 63rd St., Summit. Assistant Theatre Director Rob Durkee called it the hardest show the program has put on in recent history.
“This is the most difficult show we’ve put on in recent history, but the kids are all-in and working incredibly hard to bring it to life while learning how to portray an outdated style of English language in a fluent and believable way,” Durkee said.
The play is set during the Salem witch trials. Durkee described the period as a case of mass hysteria in which many people were executed on suspicion of practicing witchcraft, often on the strength of religious beliefs and hearsay from townsfolk. Innocent people died, he said, through the abuse of power by those in a position to make the decisions.
The play explores groupthink, emotional manipulation, power dynamics and integrity of character, according to Durkee.
“It is a dark and intense show with heavy and dense dialogue, so it’s suitable for teenagers and up,” he said.
Tickets will cost $10 for adults and $7 for students and will be available at the door, Durkee said.
