<em>The Crucible</em> opens at 7 p.m. tonight in Lipscomb's Shamblin Theatre
Haley Coble |
Lipscomb University’s Department of Theatre, in conjunction with Blackbird Theater, presents Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, an intense and edgy drama, Feb. 19-28 at 7 p.m. 
Directed by Beki Baker, Lipscomb’s chair and assistant professor for the Department of Theatre, and located in Shamblin Theatre, The Crucible was first produced in 1953, explores the threshold between individual guilt and mass hysteria, personal spite and collective evil.
“The Crucible by Arthur Miller is one of the most important American plays ever written, winning a Tony Award for Best New Play in 1953,” said Baker. “It is an intense drama that explores universal themes of justice, collective hysteria, religious fundamentalism and the power of fear.”
Placed in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, John Proctor must walk the razor’s edge of public opinion while fighting for his family, his freedom and his life as political opportunism concocts a deadly brew of power and fear in The Crucible.
The cast is an integration of Lipscomb students, Nashville actors, Lipscomb alumni, and a Lipscomb professor.
“This large collection of actors is filled with talent and experience and might be one of the finest casts I've ever worked with,” said Baker.
Emily Meinerding, a sophomore B.F.A. acting major, is playing the complex character of Abigail Williams, explained how she is taking full advantage of this blended cast experience.
“This show has given me a unique opportunity to grow as an actor through watching and bringing The Crucible to life with professionals who are so deeply devoted to their work,” said Meinerding. “Being a part of this show with professionals actors and my dear peers is a joy and a privilege.”
Producing this dark, compelling story are Lipscomb alumni and co-founders of Blackbird Theater of Nashville, Wes Driver and Greg Greene.
Since their founding in 2010, Blackbird Theater has been commonly known as the place to go in Nashville for innovative theater.
Blackbird’s mission is to create entertaining, enlightening stage productions that reawaken audiences to the thrill of theater. Not only is Driver contributing through producing, but also acting in the major role of Rev. Samuel Parris as well.
Although The Crucible was set during the late 1600s, the issues explored are still relevant to issues faced today.
“This is as important a time as any to unpack Miller's play and expose humanity's failings and redemption,” said Baker. “I hope that in this production, audience members can see themselves in the characters, and we can all walk away asking ourselves how we can learn to operate in healing and loving ways rather than letting trepidations and terrors lead the way.”
Upcoming show times include:
- Feb. 19-20, 25-27 at 7:00 p.m.
- Feb. 21, 28 at 3:00 p.m.
Ticket prices are $17 for individuals $12 for any university faculty/staff and Lipscomb alumni; and $5 for students of any age. To purchase tickets call Lipscomb Box Office, 615.966.7077, or click here.