Arthur Miller’s play, one of the great plays of the 20th century and not to be missed by anybody who enjoys good drama, is based on the notorious witchcraft trials in Salem in 1692; but it was inspired by the playwright’s own experience during Senator McCarthy’s witch hunt of communists in the 1950s. Miller, called before the House Committee on Un-American Activities, refused to incriminate others and was blacklisted by Hollywood. The only way to survive in Salem, if you were accused of witchcraft, was to admit to having seen witches. Those who did not confess were hanged.
Yael Farber’s stark and urgent staging is excellent. The actors are not afraid to give big performances and the audience’s emotional involvement is palpable throughout. Asked why, he refuses to allow his confession to be nailed to the church door, John Proctor (acted with great physical and moral strength by Richard Armitage), memorably declares: “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! How may I live without my name?”