Theme Of Good Vs Evil In The Crucible

The PlayMakers Repertory Company’s performance of The Crucible accents the theme of good versus evil. Even though the play is centered on the 17th century Massachusetts witch trials, the play incorporates several modern elements. The reinterpretation of this play with these modern elements, such as the costumes and set, reveals the theme of good versus evil. By accenting intense scenes with darkness and giving characters both modern and old-fashioned costumes, the play creates a striking difference between those in the community who are evil and those who are not. The use of more current elements throughout the performance highlights the reminder that ruling through fear and hysteria occurred multiple times throughout history and not only

As the trial scene starts, the lights on stage suddenly appear. The bright, fluorescent lights used in this scene are directly correlated to the “justice” and good that the trials are supposed to bring. However, this is ironic, as the trials only bring death to innocent people. The brightness of this closing scene contrasts with the darkness leading up to the trial scene. As the second act starts, the play starts in darkness as the setting for the trial scene is lowered. The darkness at the beginning of the scene foreshadows and indicates to the audience that evil and darkness will occur during the trial. Thus, the lights used in the witch trial scene illustrate the conflict between good versus evil throughout the ending of the play. The trial scene is set in a steel-cut prison. The setting in a prison allows the costume choices to reflect the theme of good versus evil. This is emphasized by the costumes, which are more modern than the 17th century witch trials the play represents, worn by the actors. The contemporary orange prisoners outfits that John Proctor and Elizabeth Proctor wear during this scene emphasizes the implication between the people wearing them. The assumption with orange jumpsuits is that the person wearing the orange jumpsuit is a dangerous criminal. By wearing orange, dangerous and unstable prisoners would

The round style of the theater allows the audience to envelope the action occurring throughout the play. The audience being so close to the reaction to the witch trials creates a sense of intimacy with the characters on stage and allows the audience to feel like they are a part of the Salem community themselves. As the play progresses, the audience is fully immersed into the hysterical climate of Salem. Thus, the audience correlates to the theme of hysteria. By surrounding the performance throughout the play, the director allows the audience to experience firsthand how hysteria tore the Salem community apart. Also, the play starts in darkness, as the stage seems to be further away from the audience. The darkness and distance creates a somber ambiance, as the audience feels more separated from the action on stage. The separation at the beginning of the play contrasts with the end of the play. The bright lights used at the end of the play create a more intimate connection between the audience and the cast members, as the audience is able to fully see how the town has been torn apart. Consequently, the round stage allows the theme of hysteria to shine through to the audience. This is shown through the audience being able to view everything that occurs on