WITCH HUNT COMES TO MHCC THEATRE

The act of piecing together any stage play is a challenge. The MHCC Theatre Department is once again taking on that challenge with its spring production of “The Crucible,” by Arthur Miller. 

The play is described by Mt. Hood Theatre Director Mace Archer, as “complicated, [with] so many layers.”

Based on the 1950s period in U.S. history shaped by “McCarthyism” – the hunt for alleged communists/sympathizers by U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy – The Crucible is about the “witch hunt” in a 1600s Puritan community in New England and the mass hysteria that ensued thereafter.

It was selected as the spring production, Archer said, because we are “once again in a time in America where we’re victimizing certain groups be it immigrants… etc.” He said the play connects to current political issues because “over the past two years (President Trump) has been using the word “witch hunt” all the time, so I thought it would be a good time to do a play about what an actual witch hunt looks like.” 

The show’s cast is led by veterans of MHCC theatre, including Wyatt Fisher as John Proctor, Cathryn Kellett as Elizabeth Proctor, and Sable Van Meter as Abigail Williams. 

Rehearsals began on the 1st of April, also known as April Fools’ Day (and the first day of Spring Term). When the coincidence was mentioned to Archer, he replied, “That’s very funny. I wish this play was a joke.

“I wish this witch hunting we seem to continually do as a society… I wish it were a joke,” he said. 

The Crucible is intense but deeply important in this time of political turmoil. The play will be performed in the Studio Theatre because it’s more intimate. Archer said he wants the audience to get to feel like a part of it. 

Performances will be on May 10-12, and May 17-19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and on Sundays, at 2 p.m.