Interview: Rose Shalloo on playing Abigail Williams in THE CRUCIBLE at Sheffield Crucible
Anthony Lau’s upcoming production of The Crucible at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre looks at the story through a post-colonial lens with elements of the 1950s black civil rights movement and modern race relations incorporated in a new perspective on this classic text. We spoke to Rose Shalloo who plays Abigail Williams in this production.
For those who may not be familiar, please can you summarise what The Crucible is about and tell us a little about your character, Abigail Williams?
The Crucible is based on the Salem witch trials in 1692, it’s about what happens to a puritan town when people are accused of witchcraft. Abigail is an orphan who lives with her Uncle, the Reverend of the town and her little cousin Betty. She is a very complex, troubled character that goes to some extreme lengths to get what she wants and things spiral from there.
This is the second major production of The Crucible in a relatively short space of time. What do you think the play has to say about today's world?
I think our version is very different to the recent version at the National, but both very relevant. I think nowadays, witch hunts happen very often but with social media and the news. The world can be very divisive, and bizarrely that’s very similar to Salem in the 1600’s. The Crucible comments on relationships and how they happen or breakdown and that will always be relevant.
What is it like to work with Anthony Lau as a director and what fresh take has he brought to this production?
I love working with Anthony. As an actor, he gives you a lot of freedom but also structure. He’s great at guiding you and tweaking things you bring to the table.
What is it about Arthur Miller's plays that you think has led them to stand the test of time?
Miller’s plays will always be relevant; history in some way often repeats it self. American Clock is about the Great Depression but we are in a recession, lots of people can sadly relate to that. The dialogue is often very open and honest, and it’s great to play that and for an audience to hear that.
This is your first time working at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield. What is working on a thrust stage like?
It’s my first time at the Crucible and I’m very excited about it! I have worked at Chichester [Festival Theatre], which is also a thrust, and it is difficult always thinking about the sides and you have to use diagonals a lot more. But we are in safe hands with Anthony as he knows the space so well.
It almost seems strange that The Crucible hasn't been staged at the Crucible since 2004. Why do you think the space lends itself well to the play (beyond the name of course!)?
I know! The design of the show is amazing, and the Crucible is such a deep stage, we will really use to that to our advantage. Our version is with our own accents, which I also think adds another layer to it, and potentially makes it more relatable to some of the audience. The Crucible is also on the GCSE syllabus so it gives students this end of the country the chance to see a production of it and a slightly less traditional version.
What do you still aspire to do in your future theatrical career?
I intend to be a lifer and to keep doing lovely work that challenges me on screen and on stage. There is no better feeling than when an audition comes in that fills you with excitement.
Why should audiences come to see The Crucible at the Crucible?
Audiences should come and see The Crucible at the Crucible because its a fiery, exciting version of an iconic play that will definitely make you feel and entertain you.
The Crucible plays at Sheffield’s Crucible Theatre from 2-30 March, with further information here.