The Crucible Play Analysis

• Sound
• In the Crucible, percussion was used to foreshadow, emphasize and transcend scenes throughout the play. Some of the percussion instruments were the drums and the rainstick. In my opinion, I found that the drums were probably the most significant and used. The speed of the beat and volume created suspense for what was to come.
• Color
• The colors that I would use to describe the play are mixtures of blue and black. I really liked what they did with set and how the woods were displayed. I personally thought the colors of the dresses helped create a childlike illusion and symbolized youth.  
• A moment in time (scorched moment)
• One of my scorched moments was when the red cross lit up. I thought it was ironic and really powerful. It kind of looked like a burning cross due to its color and contrast to the black background.
• Texture
• The texture of the fabric looked rigid and warm due to the fact it was winter. The texture of set looked mysterious and dark. The texture of the background music was constantly changing. Sometimes, it would be strong and played loudly. Other times, it was a simple soft drumming beat.
• A line/word
• I think the simple, yet powerful line that influenced the play the most was, “I saw the devil with…” It enhanced the church’s paranoia and revealed their ignorance. I thought it was interesting to what extent a lie could harm people. This line destroyed Salem.
• An image or a symbol
• Like I mentioned before, I think the cross was a significant visual. It was ironic how most churches believe are generally symbols for hope, but in this context, was used to describe a fearful time for the people of Salem. I think it was also used to symbolize human nature and how people may believe what they’re doing is right (such as the council), but in reality, only making things worse.

In my opinion, I thought the play was very interesting and challenges our minds to be more cautious of what we may say or do. As an individual, I think there are many things that reflected human nature and (the play) now warns us of the consequences of the damage that could potentially be done. As an artist, I really like how the play incorporated the sounds in the set. It made the play more unique and modern from the original time it was written. As a director, I think I would have liked to use more props. I would also probably have chosen the colors of the girls clothes as white to symbolize purity. In the beginning, I would have used dark lighting to make it look like there was something contaminating the white dresses.