Centaurus High to perform 'The Crucible' through LGBTQ lens

Nov. 4—Centaurus High theater students wanted a fall play that celebrated their diversity and tackled a social issue.

They chose Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," a 1953 play that uses the Salem witch trials to critique McCarthyism, and reworked it to tell the story through an LGBTQ lens — keeping the original themes of the absurdity of extremism and the disastrous consequences of a lack of empathy.

"Arthur Miller provided this really great framework to talk about more contemporary issues facing our world," said Caleb Loewengart, a senior who is the president of the Centaurus Theatre Company and the student director for "The Crucible." "What's been great is to see all these people in our theater company tell stories that affect them personally. We're giving a voice to people who don't always have that opportunity, especially in high school."

Centaurus theater Director Jay Kinsel said that, as a straight, cisgender man, he stepped back and gave the students more control over how the play was presented. A student analysis team — a new addition to the school's theater program — helped rework the analogies in the story and provide LGBTQ character representation.

"It's about the absurdity of extremism," he said. "We want to inspire the audience to walk away and have a conversation."

Kinsel said the play is a challenging one for high school students and a departure from the lighter fare students typically perform, adding students rose to the challenge. He said he also was surprised to receive a small amount of push back from the outside theater community, given that theater is often a haven for the LGBTQ community.

"What matters most is students know what's possible," he said.

Altogether, about 100 students are working on the show. Members of the student analysis team said they made only minor changes to the original script, instead using mainly character relationships, costumes and lighting to give the performances a subtle LGBTQ theme. A purple light helps clue the audience in to the characters who are queer.

"It's more directorial and design shifts than a story change," Loewengart said.

His sister, sophomore Ruby Loewengart, was part of the student analysis team and is the stage manager for the show.

"We had a lot of discussions and kind arguments to get student ideas," they said. "We changed as little as possible. Most of the changes are subtle. You might not even see it."

Adwyn Hummel, a sophomore, is playing Abigail Williams, the main antagonist who accuses other women of witchcraft.

"I've played a lot of happy, bubbly characters in the past," she said. "I was happy to get out of my typecast. I love my character. She's so fun to play."

She said she's both excited and a little nervous for opening night.

"Showing these issues, we have so many to support us," she said. "We want to reach out to the audience and say 'We stand with you.' It's very exciting."

Sophomore Noah Lowrey, who plays Giles Corey, said his character in the original accidentally almost implicates his wife as a witch. The Centaurus version adds a male love interest to his story, while keeping his bond of friendship with his wife.

"I'm passionate about LGBTQ rights," he said. "This theater company telling the story felt really important. It's a new take on it. It's definitely a cautionary tale."

As an actor, he said, he feels extra pressure to tell the story well and put more thought into the character. But, he added, it's worth the effort.

"I'm just happy with how our theater company took it to a new level," Noah said. "We're passionate, and we wanted to bring it to life. It's made our community even stronger."

The show is at 7 p.m. Nov. 9 through 12, with a 2 p.m. matinee Nov. 12, at Centaurus High, 1033 S. Boulder Road. The show also will be streamed live on Nov. 10 and 12. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for seniors and $5 for children. To buy tickets, go to centaurustheatrecompany.com.