“The Crucible,” a 1967 play written by Arthur Miller, was performed at Southwest Minnesota State University by the SMSU Theater on Oct. 10, 15-18.

This famous play takes place in 1692 Salem, Mass. where the infamous witch trials took place. Abigail Williams accuses many of her fellow townspeople of being witches when her cousin falls ill after a night of dancing in the woods. This highly religious town is shaken to its core after several other girls begin to charge other people of witchery.

John and Elizabeth Proctor are brought into the middle of this when Elizabeth is accused, forcing John to admit his affair with Abigail in order to save his wife as well as himself.

The play brings into question the believability of “eyewitness” testimony as well as the blind following of the people who seem to be the most trustworthy.

The cast and crew of “The Crucible” at SMSU did an amazing job of bringing in not only the main message of the play but also the part that keeps everyone engaged. John Proctor (sophomore Jacob Fager) is a shining light in the play with his intimidating nature and voice, done well by Fager. The character of Giles Corey (junior Joel Gay) adds some needed comic relief in the beginning along with the intense scene of the play. Abigail Williams (sophomore Sydney Stewart) was played well as a tricky person who the audience wonders whether or not to trust.

Overall, the SMSU production was a success, bringing in a more than a full house on student night. Fans of “The Crucible” would have enjoyed this rendition immensely.