The Crucible, a seminal American drama by Arthur Miller, had its world premiere in 1953. The play fictionalizes and dramatizes the enormous panic that led to the death of innocent persons accused of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. The Crucible was written in reaction to the McCarthy-era ‘Red Scare’ when the United States government banned and relentlessly hunted people believed to have communist links.
Miller crafted the play as an effective metaphor, evoking a disturbing similarity between the political witch hunts of his own day and the Salem witch trials. Fear, morality, reputation, and the repercussions of mindless devotion to authority are some of the issues explored in the drama. In any age when fear is weaponized and truth is distorted, The Crucible reverberates and stays current.
Set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, The Crucible follows a tight-knit community as it unravels under the weight of unfounded accusations. When a band of young girls is found dancing in the woods, rumors of witchcraft spread rapidly. As paranoia intensifies, neighbor turns against neighbor, leading to a tragic chain of events that questions the very essence of justice and morality.
The Shakespeare's Globe theater, named in honor of the Bard himself, has operated since 1599 after its construction by Shakespeare's acting company, the Lord Chamberlain's Men. Still standing after several rebuilds and calamities, the theater is currently located around 230 meters away from its original location. Modern retellings of Shakespeare's greatest plays are among the many shows it still stages. Shakespeare's Globe is an open-air theatre, allowing performances to take place under the sky.
Shakespeare's Globe seating plan will help you find the best seats in the theater.
Tube: The nearest tube station to Shakespeare's Globe is London Bridge, on the Northern Line, which is a 9-minute walk from the theatre.
Bus: The closest stop is Blackfriars Bridge bus stop served by bus routes 45, 63 and 100.
Train: The closest train station is Blackfriars, a ten-minute walk from the theatre. Step out from the South Bank exit.
Boat: The Bankside Pier is a mere 10-meter walk from the theatre. It is served every 20 minutes by the River Bus.
Available facilities: Restrooms, baby changing facilities, gift shop, theater tours
Accessibility: Limited disabled parking spots, level access, sensory adapted and relaxed performances, accessible seating options, audiovisual assistance, guide dogs allowed, adapted toilets
The cost of the tickets starts from £6 and will vary depending on the type of seats you choose.
The play does not have a strict age limit. However, it is most suitable for children aged 16 and above.
Crucible is being performed at Shakespeare's Globe Theatre, located on the South Bank of the River Thames in London.
Crucible is a play by Arthur Miller that dramatizes the events of the Salem witch trials of 1692. It explores themes of mass hysteria, the dangers of extremism, and the impact of false accusations on a community.