The Crucible - 'God is dead'.

Osian Rhys (then Osian Dulais) as JOHN PROCTOR in THE CRUCIBLE. March, 2010.

REVIEW:

The Carmarthen Journal. From 31 March, 2010.

The Crucible, Merlin Youth Theatre, Lyric Theatre, Carmarthen

To face the Crucible — a beautifully magnificent piece by Arthur Miller — is not always an easy task as a performer or audience member..

Set in a time period which is confusing at best with Salem girls loosely running around and the madness that follows can seem a daunting experience for anyone to watch on an evening in March.

Luckily, what a pleasant surprise it was to be found in such comfortable surroundings with a focused and enthusiastic group of performers to guide you through the madness that would soon follow.

The revamped performance of a classic tale showed a new side to theatre, one that could combine contemporary movements with up to date music throughout, even during the interval.

This new approach to theatre was warmly welcomed, as on its opening night The Crucible received a standing ovation. The work put in by the cast was evident throughout this piece. Jordanna Moran, who played Abigail Williams, showed a range of raw emotion throughout allowing the audience to become more emotionally involved in the piece.

Similarly, OSIAN DULAIS, who played John Proctor gave the part an imaginative flare, his ability to make his character so believable and lifelike was truly captivating to watch.

The cast worked together impressively to create a performance that was visually stunning.

The use of a minimal set, lighting and sound made it more possible to focus on the characters and the dramatic tension that Miller creates in this play.

I know that this was something that was very important to director Bryonny Evett-Hackford whose new approach to theatrical performances, directing and the many weeks of preparation has definitely paid off.

A group of exceptionally talented individuals managed to bring an old classic to life and this was shown especially from Holly Freeman who played the part of Elizabeth Proctor wonderfully.

Her physical and vocal characterisation throughout was on point, and as an audience member it was her character that kept the emotion to such a high level.

Working with others in such a close proximity is never easy for any performer yet Holly managed to do this so beautifully.

The cast, when not acting, sit in sight of the audience as windows to the horror that is unfolding within.

The cast had its weak spots but you are inclined to forget them as you are blown away by the undeniable power of The Crucible and this productions fidelity to that power.

Bryonny Evett-Hackford and her cast simply yet effectively take a classic and turn it into something they all should be proud of.

by JESSICA PRIDMORE

Category:

Entertainment

Tags:

• John
• Proctor
• The
• Crucible
• Osian
• Rhys
• God
• is
• dead

[BigDOG6300]

was this a highschool play? or highschool-aged play?

[Osiandulais]

@BigDOG6300 Yes. An amateur youth theatre company.

[nilkamusic]

old times i remember wen i did highschool productions, really goood you guys.