St. Luke’s Episcopal Church’s Winged Ox Players will host auditions Monday and Wednesday for its production of The Crucible.

Jessica Frederick, St. Luke’s curate for children, youth and families, said the performance will be aimed at sparking a community discussion by drawing a connection to some of the modern societal problems. Frederick noted that this is typically the focus of the group with every performance. In 2018, the group would make a completely original play titled “Least Resistance”, said Frederick. This play was focused on drug usage rates and overdose rates, a growing problem that the performers were hoping to draw more attention to.

“So the whole point is to raise awareness about issues, and community issues, and create conversation around it,” said Frederick. “So this year we will be doing a performance of The Crucible, the Arthur Miller play. Part of the reason that it feels right right now is to really think about the ways that power and authority are used to exert control over people, particularly over certain groups of people.”

While the play is set in the era of the Salem Witch Trials, many of the actions within it can be seen clearly today. The piece shows the use of fear at that time, which was so intense that many did not rationally consider the details. The way in which those in power use fear as a tactic to gain control shows how quickly such a situation can spiral. Frederick stated this shows powerful manipulation, turning social and religious “liberty” into something used against others.

The play will utilize a non-traditional casting style, according to Frederick. This means that auditions are open to anybody that may be interested regardless of background, age, gender, race, etc. Frederick particularly emphasized the hope that groups that have been often marginalized by theater will participate. The hope of a more diverse crew is to hear a greater variety of perspectives on how the use of power affects different people across the same community. Not only will this give a better insight toward the problem discussed in the play, but it gives an opportunity to those that shape conversations on social issues.

The auditions will occur on Monday, Feb.23, and Wednesday, Feb. 25, at St. Luke’s Church in the Nave. Frederick stated that doors will open at 6:30 p.m. This will give those interested time to look over the provided scripts and to rehearse before giving it a try. The actual auditions will run from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. While those that are interested may show up at any point during that time interval, Frederick noted that those that are there longer will have the opportunity to audition for more roles. Character descriptions will also be posted to both the St. Luke’s and Winged Ox Facebook pages, allowing residents to learn the mannerisms of the character beforehand.

“I would say that I would love to have people walking away thinking how power and misinformation are used to divide people. And to divide people with less power so that the people that already have power can consolidate that power,” said Frederick. “There is so much division and mistrust in the political atmosphere. We need to question who that serves, and remember that together we are stronger.”

The performance will take place in the St. Luke’s Undercroft on Friday, May 15, at 7 p.m., Saturday May 16, at 7 p.m., and Sunday, May 17, at 2 p.m.. For any more information contact 716-483-6405 or email stlukes@stlukesjamestown.org.