DIRECTING

CRUCIBLES PLAY
BY : ARTHUR MILLER USING BRECHT BERTOLT THEORY
SUMMARY OF THE PLAY

• "The Crucible," written by Arthur Miller, is a play set in Salem, Massachusetts during the 17th-
century witch trials. The story begins with a group of young girls being discovered dancing in the
woods, an act forbidden in the Puritan society of the time. As rumors and accusations of witchcraft
spread, the town is consumed by fear, suspicion, and hysteria. The play explores themes of justice,
power, and the destructive nature of mass hysteria as the town's residents are swept up in a fervor of
fear and paranoia. The protagonist, John Proctor, struggles to navigate the chaos and stand up against
the injustice, while his wife, Elizabeth Proctor, becomes a victim of false accusations. The play also
delves into the complexities of personal integrity and the consequences of moral and ethical choices.
"The Crucible" serves as a powerful allegory for the McCarthy-era witch hunts and continues to be
relevant in its exploration of the impacts of false accusations and the dangers of unchecked power.
TEXT ANALYSIS

• This is the examination of written text by looking at the plot, structure ,characters and language.
• Scene one serves as an exposition, introducing the audience to the setting, characters, and the
conflict. It sets the stage by providing background information and establishing the time and place.
• Descriptive Language: Unlike the dialogue-driven nature of the rest of the play, scene one
contains more descriptive language. Arthur Miller, the playwright, uses vivid descriptions to paint
a picture of the landscape and conditions in Salem, Massachusetts.
• Reflective Tone: Scene one adopts a reflective tone as it delves into the backstory of the characters
and their motivations. It presents a socio-political commentary on the state of Puritan society and
the underlying tensions
RESEARCH

• Place :Reverend Paris’s home at Salem, Massachusetts.

• The wwriter,: Arthur Miller an American playwright
• The context in the place :The town of Salem, Massachusetts, during the late 17 th century.
• The atmosphere of the writer :Tense and fear due to the inspiration of what happened in
the witch trial of 1692 .
• Genre : Historical tragedy due to allegory in the play
STYLE

• In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," the style in scene one can be described as naturalistic.
The language used in the dialogue is largely realistic and conversational, reflecting the way
people would have spoken in a 17th-century Puritan community. The mood is tense and
foreboding, as the characters are introduced against the backdrop of fear and suspicion due to
the presence of witchcraft accusations. The pace of the scene is measured and deliberate,
allowing the tension to build gradually. The overall aesthetic of the performance can be
grounded in authenticity, with the set, costumes, and mannerisms reflecting the historical
period. This naturalistic style serves to create a sense of immersion in the world of the play,
allowing the audience to connect with the characters and their circumstances.
CHARACTERS BIOGRAPHIES

• Reverend Samuel Parris: Reverend Parris is the minister of Salem, who is deeply
concerned about his reputation and position in the community. He is a strict and
authoritarian figure, who is determined to maintain his authority in the town. He is also
the father to Betty Parris, who is lying unconscious on the bed.2. Abigail Williams:
Abigail is the niece of Reverend Parris, and is a manipulative and deceitful young
woman. She was fired from her job as a servant in the Proctor household after an affair
with John Proctor, and is now seeking revenge. She is also at the center of the girls who
were found dancing in the woods, sparking the witchcraft hysteria in Salem.
CONTINUATION ON CHARACTERS BIOGRAPHIES

• 1. Tituba: Tituba is the slave of Reverend Parris, originally from Barbados. She is known
for her supernatural beliefs and practices, and is accused of leading the girls in the woods
in a ritual to conjure spirits. Tituba’s confession becomes a turning point in the play, as it
leads to the accusations of witchcraft spreading throughout the town.2. Betty Parris: Betty
is the daughter of Reverend Parris, and is found lying unconscious on the bed. She was
part of the group of girls found dancing in the woods, and her illness is at the center of
the witchcraft accusations that follow. Betty is also discovered to be faking her illness in
order to avoid punishment for her actions.
ANALYSIS OF ACTION IN THE PLAY

• Exposition:
- Exposition in "The Crucible"- Salem, Massachusetts
- Reverend Parris discovers girls dancing in woods- Tensions and strict moral codes
- Threat to societal order and moral fabric
- Potential for conflict- Illustration: image of Salem with ominous clouds and a group of
girls dancing in the woods
• Rising Action :scene sets the stage for the impending conflict and tension in the play, as
the town begins to suspect that witchcraft is involved in Betty's illness.
• Climax

-As Reverend Parris is praying, he is joined by several other characters, including his niece Abigail
and Tituba, the family's slave from Barbados. The tension builds as they discuss the possibility of
witchcraft being the cause of Betty's illness, and the audience is introduced to the social and
religious dynamics of the town of Salem
• Failing action

-The scene ends with Reverend Parris expressing his fears about the potential damage to his
reputation and authority if the townspeople were to find out about the possibility of witchcraft in
his household
USE OF BRECHT BERTOLT THEORY IN MY
DIRECTING PRACTICE OF THE CRUCIBLE'S PLAY
• Alienation:-use of non-realistic set design: For example, using minimalistic, abstract, or
fragmented set pieces to disrupt the illusion of realism and remind the audience that they
are watching a constructed narrative.
• - Encouraging actors to perform in a stylized, exaggerated manner, emphasizing the
artificiality of their roles rather than aiming for naturalistic portrayals.
CONTINUATION...

• Distancing Effect:
-Breaking the fourth wall: Encourage actors to address the audience directly, reminding
them that they are watching a performance.- Use signs, posters, or symbols that represent
the themes or social issues of the play, offering visual cues that engage the audience
intellectually.
•Change of custome.Making the costume depict the present day like short dresses and girls
wearing trousers by the characters .The play to be set in Malawi without changing the
dialogue.
REFERENCES

• Miller, A.(200).The Crucibles.Penguin Classics

• Brecht, B., & Willett, J. (1978). Brecht on theatre: the development of an aesthetic. New
York : London, Hill and Wang.