Words: Alex Grunberg

4 Stars

The Sacramento Contemporary Dance Theatre blends the modern with the traditional in this dance reimagining of “The Crucible.” Pop songs accompany pas de deux. The famous story is told through a lens of sensual movements and calculated hysteria. 

It is helpful to go into this performance with an understanding of the story already in place, as the choreography is focused more on revealing and interrogating the internal emotional lives of these familiar characters than offering a scene-by-scene recreation of the plot. These emotional heights shine when explored through the beautiful dance pieces. They share more of the character and turmoil than any of the explicitly stated lines. The choreography supported the strengths of the dancers. It utilized nuanced featured moments that felt very organic, as group numbers blended into solos that created a conversation between loneliness and mob mentality. 

While all the performers rose to the emotional demands of the show, especially compelling dancers whose talent flowed with passion and a deceptively natural ease included the featured Goody Proctor and a character that perhaps recast Ann Putnam as Betty’s mother. Standout dance numbers included an interrogation trio with interweaving and mirrored choreography as well as a finale that offered textured insight into Abigail’s madness.

A unique and accessible take on an American classic. 

The Crucible
theSpace Triplex – Big (Thrust)
12:45
Aug 19-24