John Proctor is the Villain

JOHN PROCTOR IS THE VILLAIN is presented by special arrangement with Broadway Licensing, LLC, servicing the Dramatists Play Service collection. (www.dramatists.com)

Director’s Note

Kimberly Belflower’s John Proctor is the Villain is one of my favorite plays. Her examination of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible through the eyes of contemporary teenage minds makes for thought-provoking and entertaining theatre. I am honored to work alongside my mentor, Professor Kim Shively, on this riotous and essential piece of American art. Like the playwright I was taught to revere John Proctor. Mr. Smith calls him “one of the greatest heroes of the American Theatre.” But is he? You, the audience, must consider whether John Proctor was driven by genuine remorse and a desire for redemption, or if he was motivated by self-preservation. Belflower has provided the parallel story of Mr. Carter Smith as a conduit for your interrogation of the original play. Our Abigail Williams, Shelby Holcomb, has faced the “slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.” She must overcome the impacts of societal norms and public pressures that label her as crazy and antagonistic to reveal the true villain of our story. With the help of her friends, she might conquer the world, or at least this “one-stoplight town in Georgia.” Enjoy and please discuss as you exit the theatre. Bravo to the cast and the entire production team. You are in for a treat! ~ Mya Brown

Special Thanks

Connie Book, Rebecca Kohn, Gabie Smith, Fred Rubeck, Natalie Hart, Kimberly Rippy, Greg Thorn, Mike Smith, Charles Johnson, Kayla Higbee, Heidi Jo Schiemer, David McGraw, Susanne Shawyer, Kevin Otos, Kim Shively, Elon Gender and LGBTQIA+ Center

Company