To accompany the upcoming Sheffield Theatres production of The Crucible at the Crucible theatre community members and local school pupils are involved in exciting projects responding to the themes of the classic play.
Sheffield Theatres brand new production of The Crucible, runs from Saturday 2 – Saturday 30 March. When a group of young girls are discovered dancing and chanting in the forest, they are accused of witchcraft. With the threat of execution hanging over them, the girls draw the people of the town into a world of secrets, lies and manipulation where the only goal is self-preservation.
Witchcraft and female community is explored in the play. With astrology and moon cycles making its way into mainstream culture, the modern interpretation of witchcraft provided a perfect theme to inspire creativity. Sheffield Theatres has continued its partnership with Manor and Castle Development Trustand joined with local floristry business MoonKoto provide Witch/Craft Workshops. Deborah-Máire Moon, founder of MoonKo and former art teacher and lecturer, is the direct descendent of the real John Proctor, who was her 9x Great Uncle; his sister was her 9x Great Grandmother. Together with Imogen Ashby, supported artist of Sheffield Theatres and creative facilitator, and Simon Marshall, Sheffield Theatres’ Community Engagement Officer, and an invited group of women over 50 from the S2 area are join together every Tuesday at the Crucible theatre to create dried flower garlands and displays.
Simon Marshall said “There’s a real buzz about our Witchcraft Workshops – with participants having the opportunity to meet new friends, explore common interests, and begin discussions on womanhood, confidence, ageing and legacy, all while doing something creative.”
The sessions will take place in the run-up to the opening of The Crucible, where the final garlands will be displayed on the staircase of the Crucible foyer for audiences to enjoy as they enter the theatre.
The Crucible, Arthur Miller’s enduring masterpiece is often a staple in the educational syllabus, studied across English and Drama courses. The production has been a popular choice for local schools, and pupils have the opportunity to take part in Unlocking: The Crucible on Wednesday 13 March to help support their studies. Students will meet the actors and crew, see the technical aspects of a show preparation, watch a rehearsal on stage to gain ideas of how they themselves might direct to develop a scene, and have a Q&A session.
Later in the show’s run, Sheffield Theatres will also host a Teachers’ Continuing Professional Development event and share video diaries from behind the scenes, as part of Sheffield Theatres’ continuing effort to support local teachers and offer practical and bespoke support for Sheffield students. Find out more about what's on offer for schools and teachers.
Tickets for The Crucible can be booked through the Box Office in person, over the phone on 0114 249 6000, or at sheffieldtheatres.co.uk. Unlocking: The Crucible schools’ session will be free for students already booked to see the matinee Wednesday 13 March, or bookable for a small fee for school who have not booked to watch the performance.
