Lawrence.com

The University of Kansas Opera will join the national art scene's creative reaction to what many feel to be a new wave of McCarthyism with a November staging of Robert Ward's opera, "The Crucible."Ward's opera, with libretto by Bernard Stambler, is based on the well-known 1952 play of the same name by Arthur Miller. The story is a parable of good and evil set in 17th century Salem, Mass. that focuses on the Salem Witch Trials. The town of Salem is seized by hysteria when a slave, Tituba, is accused of practicing witchcraft by the minister's niece, Abigail, ensuing a wave of accusations by several other girls and the possible destruction of the town's community. The theme of the play is how truth and innocence face adversity, even death. It is said Miller wrote the play in response to Sen. Joseph McCarthy and the House Un-American Activities Committee's crusade against supposed communist sympathizers. "With all of the terrorist activity going on lately, and with our current attorney general abridging our civil rights and looking for a terrorist under every bed in America, "The Crucible" - both in play form and its operatic version - is enjoying a widespread revival across the country," said Mark Ferrell, KU Opera's director, and associate professor of voice at KU.Tickets may be purchased by calling (785) 864-3000, the KU Opera's ticket reservation line.The production features a 21-member cast under guest director Tim Orcel, with costumes by Guthrie Theater in Minneapolis. Todd Schwarz of Lawrence is the lighting designer.For more information on the performance, the public may contact Ferrell at (785) 864-9745.