The Crucible by Arthur Miller

Flagstaff High School Drama Club presents: The Crucible

The Crucible, set during the 1692 Salem witch trials, begins when a group of girls, led by the vengeful Abigail Williams, are caught practicing rituals in the woods. To avoid punishment, they begin to falsely accuse other townspeople of witchcraft. The hysteria escalates, and the court accepts the girls' fabricated testimonies as evidence. When Abigail accuses Elizabeth Proctor, John Proctor's wife, John attempts to expose Abigail's lies in court. His efforts fail when his wife, trying to protect his reputation, lies about his affair with Abigail. Mary Warren, who was going to testify for Proctor, recants her statement under pressure, leaving Proctor to be arrested. In the tragic climax, John Proctor is faced with a choice: falsely confess to witchcraft and live, or refuse to lie and be hanged. He initially agrees to confess but ultimately tears up the signed confession, choosing death to maintain his integrity and "goodness".