Synopsis

When teenage girls are discovered trying to conjure spirits, the 17th century town of Salem explodes with accusations of witchcraft. The vicious trials that follow expose a community paralyzed by fear, religious extremism and greed. Ensemble member Anna D. Shapiro directs this timeless tale by one of the greatest American playwrights of all time. "The Crucible was an act of desperation...when I began to think of writing about the hunt for Reds in America, I was motivated in some great part by the paralysis that had set it... Nobody but a fanatic, it seemed, could really say all that he believed." -Arthur Miller

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 40 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.

Watch & Listen

The Crucible in Rehearsal
The Crucible in Production

Cast & Artists

The Artists

Featured Ensemble Members

The Cast

Reviews

"Utterly engrossing! Riveting!"
-Time Out Chicago

"Emotionally charged...Strikingly intense!"
-Variety

"Critics Choice - gives current witch hunts a harrowing contemporary resonance!"
-Chicago Reader

"Arresting, impassioned, full-throttle!"
-Chicago Tribune

"The rough magic that defines Steppenwolf flows through"
-Windy City Times

"Highly Recommended! Radiates an intensely modern energy!"
-Chicago Sun-Times

Program Articles

Associate Artistic Director David New interviews director Anna D. Shapiro

Anna D. Shapiro and David New explore the enduring power of Arthur Miller's The Crucible.

Fear as Governance: Arthur Miller’s The Crucible as Contemporary Reflection

Artistic Intern Douglas Lavanture discusses the current relevance of the themes of Miller's play.

Letter from the Artistic Director on The Crucible

Artistic Director Martha Lavey discusses Miller's timeless message.

Running Time

Running Time: 2 hours 40 minutes, including 1 Intermission

Content Advisory

Steppenwolf does not offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person.If you have any questions about content, age-appropriateness or stage effects(such as strobe lights or theatrical fog) that might have a bearing on patron comfort, please contact the box office at 312-335-1650.