The Crucible

I wanted to go to London to see this play but couldn't, then I saw it listed in local cinema and persuaded my husband to accompany me, not telling him length was 3 hours. He honestly didn't notice until we were walking home and he checked time! From the onset you engage with this production. It is a filmed within the theatre so everything takes place on stage, but the camera-work is not static and takes you into the performance. This is a very intense and powerful interpretation with a brilliant cast. It's lead, Richard Armitage, was nominated for an Olivier award for his performance and in my opinion only missed out because Mark Strong's performance was delivered in an American accent. His portrayal of John Proctor delivers a man who is physically strong but has allowed a moment of weakness to undermine his marriage and sense of self. As group hysteria is unleashed good people suffer and the community turns in on itself. Arthur Miller's writing, Yael Farber's direction and Richard Artimitage's performance combine together to create an unforgettable viewing experience.

'The Crucible' (2014)

Opening thoughts: My first full production of any of Arthur Miller's plays was the 2019 National Theatre Live production 'All My Sons', which was a truly powerful experience still remembered quite vividly to this day. 'The Crucible' is every bit as powerful a play in its own way, and scary in its relevance. The story is darkly haunting and emotional and the dialogue while wordy (true with all Miller) hits hard and provokes thought. My opinion of Richard Armitage is very high, despite him too often being a lot better than what he chooses to star in.

This was a truly extraordinary production in every way, with everything that is so great about the play intact while not playing it safe. After being very underwhelmed by 2017's 'Salome', also directed by Fael Farber (visually stunning and well acted generally, but something of a perplexing slog), this production of 'The Crucible'. And the infinitely superior production of the two, with it being more cohesive, much more arresting and more accessible and more tasteful dramatically.

Good things: Everything. First and foremost, it is very visually striking with a lot of dark brooding atmosphere that never looks too grim while not being too clean. The dream-like opening and the lighting particularly stand out. The music has a genuine creepiness that gels with the dark drama more than ideally. Farber's stage direction is remarkable, maintaining the play's integrity and spirit while giving it a refreshing and for this play unique visceral rawness.

Everything here is done in very good taste with no gratuity or pacing lulls and there was no issue had following the story or understanding Farber's intentions. Particularly well done were the bone chilling courtroom scene and the very uncompromising depiction of panic and fear in the community at that time, which felt incredibly authentic and actually very scary in its relevance.

Can't fault any of the performances, Armitage brings great intensity and depth to his tortured, conflicted soul of a character and Samantha Colley absolutely sears in the courtroom scene. Miller's dialogue still hits hard hugely and it is very unyieldingly hard edged and thought provoking.

Closing thoughts: Summing up, extraordinary.

10/10.

I watched the play through digital theatre's website. Gut wrenching in parts and intensely moving. Richard Armitage is such a talented actor and deserves better roles than he seems to get. His voice is powerful and his presence on the stage or in front of the camera is magnetic. Other performances and direction by Farber were stellar as well. I also enjoyed his extended interview that Digital Theatre makes available on their website.

Just a sidenote: I had a difficult time with the download and player that the site makes you use. I am no luddite, but couldn't get the video to play on my smart HD TV. I ended up streaming it. Digital theatre should release this on DVD.

Yael Farber's unique interpretation of Arthur Miller's iconic play THE CRUCIBLE, staged by the Old Vic, garnered an impressive 10 Five Star reviews from the National Press during its sold-out run from June to September 2014. Featuring Richard Armitage in the role of John Proctor, the production earned two Olivier Award nominations, including Best Revival and Best Actor, as well as an Evening Standard Award nomination for Best Director. It also secured five Broadway World Awards, one of which was for Best Direction. Farber's rendition of THE CRUCIBLE stands out as one of the most successful productions in the rich history of The Old Vic. Following its triumphant run, The Old Vic and Digital Theatre made a filmed version available, reaching audiences in 20 countries and attracting over 50,000 viewers both in cinemas and online.

While I was among those who experienced the production, I found myself less captivated than many others. The performances were commendable, yet the directing felt overly dramatic to me, bordering on distracting.

I actually went to watch this at The Old Vic Theatre. And it didn't disappoint in any way, the opposite is true! Due to the great direction you could feel you were part of what was developing on the stage. As if you were there, witnessing... This in itself was unique and groundbreaking, especially sitting on the 1st row.

Yes, Richard Armitage is definitely great in the role of John Proctor - but all the other actors did a superb job, may I mention the late, amazing Adrian Schiller, Natalie Gavin, Anna Madeley and William Gaunt, just to name 4. How were they able to do it twice a day two times a week for I don't recall how many months still baffles me!

All in all one of the best theatre plays I had the pleasure to watch, and I am also very glad to own the filming of it.