Crucible to thrust onto Charter Academy stage

Arthur Miller’s classic “The Crucible” will be performed at Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy Thursday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, Dec. 10.

This haunting drama explores the darkness of the human heart and the innate hunger for power that drives it. A hidden scandal sets Puritan Salem ablaze with merciless witch trials, rising from the burning sin that torments upstanding farmer John Proctor.

“Our concept for the play is ritual and its ancient roots in the human psyche. Ritual is a part of religion, witchcraft and our daily routines. We’re delving into how ritual defines the space and action of the play,” said director Dana Fleming.

The actors and director have chosen to explore the struggle between masculine and feminine energies in the play, and the evil that seethes when one is not balanced by the other.

This is the first time Charter students have abandoned the traditional stage set-up to work with the presentation of theater in a thrust configuration, wherein the audience surrounds the actors on three sides. Charter’s AV club designed the lighting, with costumes crafted by Linay Robinson.

Performances will be held at the Coeur d’Alene Charter Academy Auditorium, 4904 N. Duncan Drive at 7 p.m. each night from Thursday, Dec. 8 through Saturday, Dec. 10. A 2 p.m. matinee will be performed Saturday as well.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 with a high school or younger student ID.