Shatterbox Theatre unfolds immersive, timeless tale of witch trials

A witch hunt is brewing in Ameliasburgh and people are losing their freedom – and their lives.

The production features a 20-member cast. – Sean Ferguson photo

Visitors to the heart of the heritage village will become first-hand witnesses of the suspense, betrayal and hysteria of the Salem witch trials as they experience the chilling panic and paranoia of jealousy as neighbour accuses neighbour, in the pursuit of power and lust.

Lives are destroyed, and families are torn apart. Who is guilty? Who stands falsely accused?

The compelling drama of The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller, will be brought to life by a 20-member cast with the County’s Shatterbox Theatre over an eight-show engagement Aug. 24th to Sept. 3rd, 2023.

“I believe that the viewer will discover here the essential nature of one of the strangest and most awful chapters in human history,” said Miller in his introduction to his classic play.

The production is an eight show run Aug. 24th to Sept. 3rd. – Sean Ferguson photo

Staged in the historic Ameliasburgh Heritage Village, the performances will also feature a pre-show walk-through of the village by lantern light where secret discoveries and bewitching moments await guests on their way to their seats. In an immersive theatre experience, attendees can choose to have the opportunity to sit amongst the actors, on stage, and be a part of the action.

The troupe has reimagined the classic as Shatterbox Theatre Company members transport audiences to the 1692 Salem witch trials and immerse them in a world fractured by hysteria, paranoia, and power.

“Staged under the summer-night sky, audiences will bear witness to a trial of faith, justice, and the very notion of truth,” says director Georgia Papanicolau. “With the buildings of the heritage village serving as the stunning backdrop to the performances, Shatterbox Theatre’s team showcases Miller’s anti-McCarthyist screed on pride, hypocrisy, and conformity, reminding us that The Crucible is a timeless tale.”

Thomas Harrison plays 83-year-old Giles Corey. – Sean Ferguson photo

Prince Edward County local talent will shine as the cast includes new and familiar performers from the area and beyond, such as Becky Lamb, Julianna Tyers, Isabella Auciello, Thomas Harrison, Shelley Zebedee, Andrew Brant, and David Litke.

The presentation is co-directed by Papanicolau and Julie Lane, who garnered widespread acclaim and played to sold-out audiences as they brought Spring Awakening and The Drowning Girls to Macaulay Heritage Park last year.

“This production is just building on the immersive opportunities for the audiences of Prince Edward County. The tiered ticketing offers attendees the chance to actually sit amongst the actors, on stage, and truly be a part of the action. Our actors are also excited for the opportunity to work and interact with the audience throughout the storytelling” adds Lane.

Click here for tickets at shatterboxtheatre.com 

Curious to see some behind the scenes action? Shatterbox will host an open house on Saturday, Aug. 19th (new date) from noon-4pm in the PEC Arts Council’s Arts Lab in Picton’s Armoury Mall.

“This will be our home base for the next few weeks where the public can pop in and meet some of the cast and crew, look at costumes, set design and creative vision and learn more about The Salem witch trials,” adds Papanicolaou.