Audition Date: Thursday 13 November, 7:30pm, Lewes Little Theatre Foyer
Arthur Miller’s classic parable of mass hysteria draws a chilling parallel between the Salem witch-hunt of 1692 – ‘one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history’ – and the McCarthyism which gripped America in the 1950s.
The story of how the small New England community of Salem, Massachusetts, is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice, culminating in a violent climax, is a savage attack on the evils of mindless persecution and the terrifying power of false accusations.
The 1953 play is a dramatized and partially fictionalized story of the witch trials, which is meant to express the dangers of unfounded accusations and rampant, widespread hysteria.
Miller's work transcends its historical context, resonating with modern audiences by prompting reflection on human nature, the abuse of power, and the importance of individual integrity.
Miller crafts complex and relatable characters, each grappling with their own flaws and motivations, making their struggles deeply engaging for the audience. The play’s fast-paced plot and escalating tension creates a gripping narrative that hurtles towards its inevitable tragic end. The play’s enduring popularity is a testament to its powerful themes, compelling characters, and its ability to provoke reflection on the human condition.
The play opened in New York on 22 January 1953, with the production winning the 1953 Tony Award for Best Play. The play had started on its journey to becoming a classic of mid-20th century American drama being performed across the world, with recent productions in London at the Old Vic, National Theatre and The Globe.
John Proctor – 30s-50s – A farmer who lives just outside Salem village in Massachusetts, New England. A stern, sometimes harsh man who hates hypocrisy. Strong, forthright and plain speaking.
Elizabeth Proctor – 30s-50s – A hard-working mother and farmers wife. Elizabeth is supremely virtuous, but often cold to her husband. Strong and pious.
Abigail Williams – 18-20 – The orphaned niece of Reverend Parris and the leader of the possessed girls. Abigail is young, intelligent, passionate but also vindictive when crossed. Passionate, aggressive and determined.
Deputy Governor Danforth – 40s-60s – Deputy governor of Massachusetts and the presiding judge of the witch trials. Intelligent and scrupulous in all his dealings. Strong orator, law abiding and a believer in witches.
Reverend John Hale – Any age – Reputed to be an expert on witchcraft, Rev Hale is called to Salem to examine the possessed girls. Thoughtful, ecclesiastical and overzealous.
Thomas Putnam – 40s-60s – A wealthy, influential landowner who uses the witch trials to increase his own wealth by buying up the land of the accused. Power-hungry, cruel, vindictive and egotistical.
Ann Putnam – 40s-60s – Ann Putnam has given birth to eight children, but only one survived. Righteous, self-deceiving and bitter.
Reverend Parris – 40s-60s – Salem’s minister, Parris is both paranoid and power-hungry. He is selfish and unkind.
Tituba – Any age – Servant to Reverend Parris, originally from Barbados. Easily led, quick to agree with any accusations, persuadable.
Judge Hathorne – 40s-60s – A lesser judge who presides, along with Danforth, over the witch trials. Hawthorne is self-righteous and keen to make a name for himself by aligning with Danforth. Sycophantic and egotistical.
Rebecca Nurse – 50s-70s – A wise, sensible, and upright woman, held in high regard by most of the Salem community. Kind, understanding and forgiving.
Francis Nurse – 50s-70s – An influential farmer in Salem known for speaking out. He is well respected by most villagers, hardworking and conscientious.
Giles Corey – 50s-70s – An elderly and feisty Salem farmer, famous for his tendency to file lawsuits. Hardworking and conscientious.
Martha Corey – 50s-70s – Giles Corey’s third wife. Martha’s perceived reading habits lead to her arrest and conviction for witchcraft. A kind and gentle person.
Sarah Good – Any age – A homeless, impoverished woman, one of the first individuals accused of witchcraft.
Ezekiel Cheever – Any age – Cheever acts as clerk of the court during the witch trials and actions the demands of the court. He believes in witches and is determined to do his duty for the court.
George Herrick – Any age – The marshal of Salem and officer of the court. Conscientious supporter of the court.
Hopkins – Any age – A guard at the Salem jail. Follows orders without question.
Mary Warren – Older teenager – A servant in the Proctor household and a member of Abigail’s circle. She is a timid and easily influenced by those around her. Thoughtful, selfish and easily manipulated by Abigail Williams.
Betty Parris – Young teenager – Reverend Parris’s ten-year-old daughter. Impressionable, easily manipulated by Abigail.
Mercy Lewis – Teenaged – One of the girls in Abigail’s group who accuses. Impressionable, easily manipulated by Abigail.
Susanna Walcott – Teenaged – A servant girl and part of Abigail’s inner circle. Impressionable, easily manipulated by Abigail.
Other Girls – Teenaged – More girls can be added to Abigail’s circle who then appear in the court scenes. They would not have solo lines but speak as one when accusing villagers and reacting to Abigails visions.
Characters
For a script or more information, please contact the Artistic Director Shaun Hughes at shaun.hughes61@hotmail.co.uk or call 07971 815883.
