The SUNY Oswego Theatre Department production of “John Proctor is the Villain,” opening Nov. 13, chronicles teenangers exploring the hardships of high school while studying the classic novel “The Crucible.“

“John Proctor is the Villain” uses the novel about the Salem Witch Trials to examine whether Proctor, the protagonist, exhibits characteristics that make him seem like a villain rather than a hero, reflecting the trials and tribulations in the lives of the teen characters. The characters question whether Proctor’s affair, pride and desire to protect his name lead him to make selfish choices. 

To direct the play, the Theatre Department brought in Liz Dahmen, the founding artistic director of the Hudson Valley Performing Arts Laboratory. Dahmen lives in Brooklyn but is staying in Oswego for the duration of the production. 

She accepted the role after finding a lot to like in the content of the play. It is set in 2018, which is close to today but different in a few ways, but overall the themes remain timeless.

“I’m most interested in the themes of friendship and resiliency,” Dahmen said. “What this play does is show us how a group of friends survive and cope through a difficult period and how they connect.” 

One of the performers, SUNY Oswego student Ariana Palmer, said she adjusted easily to the difficult topics covered. 

“Lots of themes and moments in the play, I’ve experienced, my friends experienced,” Palmer said. “I think that’s what makes the play so real, that these are real-life situations.”

Student Jayden Forbes, who is the assistant director, also plays a role in the ensemble – the characters audiences see in the background. He said the play being relatable made it easier to hone in on the topics the play touches on. 

“Even though we’re young and we’re 16, 17, years old, we still have a voice and we should still get a say,” Forbes said in reference to the characters and themes. 

Forbes said the core values of the play align with those of today's society because of how close the time periods are in the play. The way younger generations advocate for their beliefs reflect how the characters in the play challenge authorities.  

Character exploration

Forbes said Dahman allows the actors creative freedom to explore the personality of their characters by giving suggestions as opposed to concrete directions.

“What's so inspiring about it is that it really just allows you to do the thinking, right?” Forbes said. “We got to create something together and our classmates that were working within this production, they take that to heart and that's what I truly love about them."

Dahmen held a casual audition that allowed the actors to bond through social activities and conversation. She said this allowed the actors to work better together because they already knew each other. 

“I think a play is only as strong as its cast,” Dahmen said. “We spent more time playing games and improvising, doing activities that were bringing the ensemble together and having them think about their characters, than we did working on the text in the beginning.”

The foundation established among the actors made the the play's execution easier to accomplish. Along the way, this story offers a fresh perspective on teenage resilience and the challenges of finding one’s voice and discovering authenticity. 

The play will unfold in Tyler Hall’s Lab Theatre, with showings at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 13, 14, 15 and 16, with 2 p.m. weekend matinees on Nov. 16 and 17.

Available via tickets.oswego.edu or the campus box office, tickets for the play are free for SUNY Oswego students, $10 for the general public.

Persons with disabilities seeking accommodations to attend this event should contact the box office at 315-312-3073.

-- Written by Roxana Dolores of the Class of 2024