The 17th century version of Bewitched.

The subject matter of Arthur Miller’s Tony Award-winning play The Crucible – the Salem witch trials of the 1690s – seems timely, considering that Halloween is just around the corner. However, what’s really scary about the play isn’t the specter of black magic; it’s the way in which it portrays how fear can turn member of a community against each other. “I would say that fear of your fellow human is a big theme,” explains Katie Shay, who is directing the Menomonie Theater Guild’s production of the play. “Mass hysteria is another one, and how easy it is to get caught up in an idea that may or may not be true.” While these themes certainly have resonance in today’s toxic political climate, Miller’s play is actually an allegorical examination of the Red Scare of the 1950s. The play is a party fictionalized account of the infamous witch trials that gripped colonial Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692-93 after a preacher in this strict Puritan community discovers his 10-year-old daughter among a group of young girls performing strange rituals in the woods. The girls’ ringleader, Abigail Williams (portrayed by Belle Hearley), claims that the girls have been bewitched, and accusations multiply. They ensnare many prominent people, including farmer John Proctor (Anthony Madland), whose fate may hinge on the truth about his past relationship with Abigail. “We’re still struggling with these same fears and same personal struggles today,” Shays says. “Even though they may be dressed as Puritans, these things can and do happen today.” At Halloween – or at any time of year – the scariest thing we can glimpse is the dark side of human nature. 

The Crucible, presented by the Menomonie Theater Guild • Oct. 21-22 and 28-29, 7:30pm; Oct. 22-23 and 29-30, 2pm • Mabel Tainter Center for the Arts, 205 Main St. E, Menomonie • $15 adults, $12 students and seniors • viewer discretion advised • (715) 231-7529 • mtgtickets@gmail.com • menomonietheaterguild.com