Oregon City’s Theater Department and Language Arts 11A are working with the play, “The Crucible” during the same year, creating a cross-department project that brings literature from page to stage.

“The Crucible” was first performed in 1953 and written by Arthur Miller. The play is an important part of American literature for high school students since the play was created during the 4-year-long McCarthyism Red Scare. Miller’s play commented on how suspicion and unfounded accusations in the 1950s could ruin reputations and careers just like in the Salem Witch Trials that these accusations of someone would lead to execution.

“I am very excited for the play,” Language Arts student Ryleih Cantu said. “When I read the book I feel like I am seeing the play from our school instead of a normal story book.”

11th grade teacher, Ms. Zeal has spoken about having a mini class field trip to see the production as an in-school activity due to the cross-department. This in-school trip would help all the students in Ms. Zeal’s class feel connected to the theater department and help the actors display their play to an interested and already knowledgeable audience.

Hayley Zeal said, “The Junior classes and Jory Jones are planning a field trip for the students in Mr. McDonald, Mr. Chavez, and my class.”

Seniors that had Language Arts 11 last year are also very excited for the plays production with their history of The Crucible as well.

Senior Allie Carns said, “Last year I was very interested in reading The Crucible and I am thrilled to see our school’s Theater Department show their vision of the play.”

The students in Language Arts 11, as well as in the play, have shown a greater understanding of the story as they work through the play by reading and acting out the scenes. This may be a good reason for the students of Language Arts to watch the play and really grasp the concept of the play.

Zeal said, “they (students in theater and Language Arts 11) have read a lot of the parts which helps understanding plot, motivation, and the pace of the play.”

Oregon City will perform the play from February 20th to March 1st. Aeva Dahlin is a part of the Oregon City Theater Department and will play as Abigail Williams, one of the main characters from the play.

Dahlin said,”I am very excited for students in this school to read the crucible so they will be even more excited for the play.”