Dramatic Tale of Hysteria, Betrayal Comes to Agoura Performing Arts Education Center [Video]

The Crucible, a story of adultery, betrayal and prejudice, is being performed at the Agoura Hills Performing Arts Education Center now through March 2.

The play is directed by Elizabeth Brasler, the high school's theater arts program director.

"I wanted to do a play that would involve as many students as possible," said Brasler of this year's dramatic selection. "It also has the name recognition and is well respected."

Based on a true story, The Crucible, written in 1953 by playwright Arthur Miller, is a dramatization of the Salem witch trials that took place in the Province of Massachusetts Bay during 1692 and 1693. The theme of the play holds up as a metaphor for modern society, Brasler says.

"It's an intense drama that reflects what's happening today in terms of prejudice, hatred and mass hysteria," she said.

The show stars senior Alexandra Goldmann and junior Ryan Rosenheim plus a cast of 60 students.

Brasler says working in the new PAEC offers technology she hasn't seen in the five years she's been teaching.

"We're now working with state-of-the art technology," she said. "... like a fly rail [a horizontally swinging bracket for supporting a drop leaf] which enables us to drop in pieces of scenery ... there's also rear projection and a new sound system."

Show times for The Crucible are 7 p.m. with an additional 2 p. m. matinee performance March 2.

Tickets are $18 for adults and $12 for students. They can be purchased online at www.lasvirgenesperformingarts.org.