The Malta Independent on Sunday
Teatru Manoel reveals stellar cast and team for ‘The Crucible’
Teatru Manoel has announced an impressive international cast and creative team for its forthcoming production of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible which will be staged from Wednesday, 16 to Sunday, 20 May at Teatru Manoel.
Arthur Miller is one of America’s foremost playwrights. The Crucible is regarded as a central classical work in the canon of American drama. Although it is a dramatised and partially fictionalised story of the Salem witch trials, that took place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during 1692/93, its relevance still holds in light of current events. Arguably the most famed blame-game in theatre history, Miller’s The Crucible will be presented for the first time at the Manoel.
The creative team is led by accomplished theatre director Sean Buhagiar with renowned contemporary artist Austin Camilleri designing his first ever set for the Manoel stage. The costume design is in the hands of eclectic designer Sef Farrugia, while sound designer Yasmin Kuymizakis will be composing the music for the production. “I am both proud and ecstatic to be working with so many talented artists. This will be one heck of a hunt,” said a gleeful Buhagiar.
The 25-strong cast is led by Maltese-Australian professional actor Kenneth Spiteri who flew in to portray the role of John Proctor with Brussels-based actress Simone Ellul as his wife Elizabeth.
Local star Nadia Vella takes on the role of Abigail Williams, undoubtedly one of the most soul-stirring female roles in theatre history. Renowned actor Stephen Oliver plays Judge Danforth and Edward Caruana Galizia is Reverend Hale.
Other well-known names include Marylu Coppini, Isabel Warrington, John Marinelli, Michael Mangion, Narcy Calamatta, Thomas Camilleri, Peter Galea, Colin Fitz and Nanette Brimmer.
The Crucible also sees professionally trained actors Edward Thorpe, Hannah Cramer and Venezuelan Gabriela Mendez making their Malta debut.
The bewitched girls are played by some of the best local young talent including Kyra Lautier, Daniela Carabott Pawley, Julia Camilleri with UK-trained Roberta Cefai in her first big role in Malta as Mary Warren.
The Crucible runs from Wednesday, 16 to Sunday, 20 May at 8pm at Teatru Manoel. Booking is open at www.teatrumanoel.com.mt. There is a huge anticipation for this new, daring and exciting production which is the first drama production which Teatru Manoel is producing in a very, long time. The witch hunt fever is on. Get your tickets fast or they might blame you.