As a writer and dancer, I consider myself to be fairly involved in the arts in their overwhelming vastness. However, Broadway and more specifically, the performing arts, is one area I am just beginning to explore. John Proctor is the Villain, written by Kimberly Belflower, was my first Broadway show and could only be described as harrowing, intentful, and absolutely phenomenal.
Making its Broadway debut in April and soon to close in September, the play has proven to impact a large audience. Many fans have noted that they went back to see the show for a second or third time. Sadie Sink, starring as Shelby Holcomb, brought in an audience with her popular name, but even with a changeover, viewers are still rushing in. Chiara Aurelia has taken over for Sink in the final weeks of the show.
John Proctor is the Villain focuses on an AP English class in rural Georgia as they read the Crucible in the 11th grade. After some conversations spark in the classroom, a group of girls become inspired to begin a feminist club. Their club offers a space to discuss important issues and they relate it to the historical context of the Crucible. By assessing conflicts in the novel and connecting it to their own lives, some hidden truths about the not-so-perfect town are uncovered. Elements of the #MeToo movement are linked to the accusations of witchcraft during the Salem Witch Trials, examining how being overly enlightened can create a toxic and distrustful society.
The set was wildly simple, with all scenes taking place in a classroom, except for one. Belflower’s incorporation of humor while still maintaining a serious tone kept the viewers engaged and reeled us in for a roller coaster of emotions. With most of the play only containing conversations between characters, rather than an unraveling of suspenseful events, Belflower created a story that did not need exciting action to be powerful. Although Sadie Sink had the biggest name, all of the actors fit their role perfectly and worked together in a wonderful harmony that allowed them to truly connect with the crowd. As I am within the range of the target audience, a teenage girl, the story felt realistic and incorporated many interests of my generation such as Taylor Swift and Lorde.
My favorite part about this play was that it embraced the idea of being viewed as crazy or in this case, a witch. Merchandise was sold with “coven” written on it, or a circle of girls dancing, mimicking the teenage witches in the Crucible. Although Belflower did not encourage the destruction that the afflicted girls caused, she represented those who had truth to their stories, but were made out to be deranged.
The second that the show ended, with a standing ovation and not a dry eye in sight, I immediately wished I could rewind and watch it all over again. So for now, I listen to Green Light by Lorde to experience the same surreal thrill that John Proctor is the Villain left me to sit with.