UMW Theatre presents “John Proctor is the Villian”

by OLIVIA KERN

Contributing Writer

The University of Mary Washington Theatre Department’s rendition of Kimberly Belflower’s “John Proctor is the Villain” offered a provocative and timely exploration of gender, history and truth, sparking conversations and challenging the narrative. I went to see the production on Feb. 8, and it might be one of my favorite plays from the theatre department so far.

Set in 2018 in rural Georgia, “John Proctor is the Villain” explores the experiences of a group of high school students studying Arthur Miller’s play, “The Crucible.” As scandal erupts in their town, the students begin to draw parallels between their lives and the plot of “The Crucible,” questioning if John Proctor is the hero he is made out to be. 

“John Proctor is the Villain” explores themes of friendship, power dynamics and patriarchy through a contemporary feminist lens.

“I really loved how it tackled serious issues in such a realistic way,” said sophomore political science and women and gender studies double major Sarah Tyree-Herrman. “The play showed how teenagers reacted to these serious issues and topics, especially in a time when the #MeToo movement was very prominent.” 

I thought that the set design perfectly captured the essence of a small high school classroom, complete with tiny desks, uncomfortable chairs and walls lined with posters featuring cringe-worthy phrases. 

The combination of set design and dialogue transported the audience straight back to 2018. Even the costumes added to the experience, which were designed by Class of 2016 alumna Alicia Austin, who has worked on numerous professional projects, including Hulu’s “Only Murders in the Building.”

“The cast was phenomenal at transporting the audience right into the show and I felt like I was right there with all of them,” said Allie Schwartz, a sophomore political science and English double major. “I definitely wasn’t expecting to be as touched by this show as I was.”

For me, a big standout of the night were the performances by Emma Magner, a senior theatre major, as Raelynn Nix, and Rob Willcox, a junior anthropology and theatre double major, as Shelby Holcomb. They flawlessly encapsulate female friendships and the beauty of girlhood. Especially in the final scene of the play, where Raelynn and Shelby do an interpretive dance to Lorde’s “Green Light” for their class project, creating a memorable and heartfelt conclusion to the play.

“The show surprised me with its impressive use of song and symbolism,” said Tanner Murphy, an English and political science double major.  “How emotions were portrayed in the last scene through Green Light by Lorde was something beautiful I didn’t expect.”

“John Proctor is the Villain” is directed by Gregg Stull, professor of theatre and chair of the department. Scenic design is by Associate Professor of Theatre Michael Benson and sound design by the Director of Marketing and Audience Services, Jon Reynolds. Lighting design and costume design are by guest designers Max Doolittle and Austin, respectively.

So, Eagles, don’t miss your chance to experience “John Proctor is the Villain” at UMW. The final performance is this weekend on Feb. 16 at 2:00 p.m. in Klein Theatre.