Review by Hayley Horton
Copied from the Adelaide Theatre Guide website

There is no doubt that Arthur Miller is one of the greats in playwright history. His text, "The Crucible" stands the test of time exploring the strengths and weaknesses of the human condition, our susceptibility to mass hysteria and the quick persecution of those who do not conform with the society at large.

Director, Megan Dansie has achieved nothing short of a small miracle with her conversion of the usually cavernous Burnside Ballroom into the puritan village of Salem, Massachusetts in the late 1600s. The set design is simple as any puritan environment should be, yet very effective. Complimented with Tim Allan's excellent lighting design, the use of the space is next to perfect and a great achievement for a venue that usually detracts from Burnside's productions.

Intertwined in Miller's messages are deep explorations of character, particularly in the role of protagonist, John Procter (John Rosen). Rosen's take on the tormented Procter takes a bit to warm to with a Russell Crowe-esque accent and gruff persona. However, the depth of emotion (particularly in the climactic final scene) is taken in Rosen's stride and his vast experience and skill is undoubted.

In a change from previous roles, Louise Brumby as Elizabeth Procter is aptly cool and distant with a strong undercurrent of moral righteousness that, although she looks a lot younger than Rosen is a good balance. This is Brumby's best performance for Burnside in recent years.

The remainder of the cast range in their grasp of what is a harrowing text. The ebs and flows of the hysteria and moral righteousness are captured well by Brad Martin as the Reverand Hale and the contrasting paths followed by Hale and Procter are well highlighted.

Siobhan Docherty as the sly and manipulative Abigail Williams has the spiteful element of this character well in hand, but requires more light and dark in her characterisation allowing for moments of manipulation rather than constant hysteria.

In contrast to Docherty, Hannah Wooller as the insipid Mary Warren gives a strong performance, notably struggling between following the girls and her loyalty to the Procters.

Other stand-out performances include Bryan Godfrey as Danforth and Richard Gruca as Reverend Samuel Parris.

Dansie's eye for detail and loyalty to the original text makes this production a welcome return for the Burnside Player's to quality drama and intelligent casting.

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