Danya Taymor to direct Kimberly Belflower’s play “John Proctor Is the Villain,” following her Tony win for “The Outsiders.”
Sadie Sink, the talented actress known for her role in the popular series “Stranger Things,” is set to take the stage in a new Broadway play in the upcoming spring season. The play, titled “John Proctor Is the Villain,” written by Kimberly Belflower, centers around a group of high school students who are studying Arthur Miller’s classic play “The Crucible” while also grappling with the impact of the #MeToo movement.
Unlike traditional Broadway plays that first debut on the big stage before being licensed for other productions, “John Proctor Is the Villain” has already been licensed for nearly 100 nonprofessional productions, many of which have taken place at high schools and colleges. This unique journey has allowed the play to reach a wider audience before its Broadway premiere.
The story is set in a classroom in rural Georgia in the spring of 2018, where a group of juniors in an honors English class are studying “The Crucible.” As they delve into the themes of the play, they also face challenges as some of them try to establish a feminism club. The play follows the lives of nine characters, including seven students, an English teacher, and a guidance counselor, as they navigate the complexities of their beliefs and ideals against the backdrop of real-life events.
Kimberly Belflower, the playwright behind the production, draws inspiration from her own experiences growing up in a conservative Georgia community and studying “The Crucible” in high school. The resurgence of the #MeToo movement and the controversial comments made by figures like Woody Allen prompted her to revisit the play and explore its themes in a modern context.
Through “John Proctor Is the Villain,” Belflower aims to challenge the audience to reflect on their beliefs and question societal norms, much like the characters in the play. The story delves into timely issues such as feminism, the #MeToo movement, and the complexities of truth and justice, all set against the backdrop of a high school classroom in rural Georgia.
With Sadie Sink leading the cast, the Broadway production of “John Proctor Is the Villain” promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience that tackles important social issues in a compelling and entertaining way. Don’t miss the chance to see this groundbreaking play when it hits the Broadway stage next spring.
Source: The NY Times
