Queensland Theatre Company Begins Rehearsals for THE CRUCIBLE, Show Opens October 26

Hysteria, accusations and rumours run wild when Queensland Theatre Company presents
The Crucible, Arthur Miller's gripping masterpiece. A profound plea for honesty, courage and reason, this epic story is being brought to life by a massive cast of 19 actors. Brisbane audience favourites Paul Bishop, Andrew Buchanan, Robert Coleby and Bryan Nason star alongside some of our best young talent such as Amelia Dowd, Kathryn Marquet, Francesca Savige and Christopher Sommers.

When Abigail Williams and her friends are caught frolicking naked in the forest they claim to have
been bewitched. The young girls proceed to wield a mesmerising power over the citizens of Salem;
spreading moral panic as they accuse well respected townsfolk of witchcraft and devil worship.
The community tears itself apart as no one dares to question the girls or their accusations for fear
of being denounced themselves. Neighbours and families turn against each other and ultimately
the accused face a choice - confess to a crime which they did not commit, or maintain their
innocence and hang.

Says Director Michael Gow, "This modern revival of Miller's classic work is a powerful portrayal of
the damaging effects of intolerance, bigotry and paranoia. These apply just as much to the current
climate of religious and political extremism as they did during the McCarthy era when the play was
written, and the Salem witch trials in which it's set. The ability to stage a production with a cast of
19 actors is a rare one that bucks the trend in Australian theatre and is a challenge the Company
eagerly anticipates".

Director: Michael Gow
Designer: Robert Kemp
Lighting Designer: Ben Hughes
Fight Director: Scott Witt
Cast: Chris Betts, Paul Bishop, Andrew Buchanan, Robert Coleby, Amelia Dowd, Sue Dwyer, Penny Everingham, Nelle Lee, Kathryn Marquet, Brad McMurray, Andrea Moor, Bryan Nason, Paula Nazarski, Bob Newman, Francesca Savige, Christopher Sommers, James Stewart, Leo Wockner and Melanie Zanetti
Dates: 26 October - 14 November
Tickets: $40-$63 Under 30: $30
Venue: Playhouse, QPAC
Bookings: QTIX 136 246 or www.qldtheatreco.com.au

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