The Crucible presented by Shawnigan Players

THE CRUCIBLE PRESENTED BY SHAWNIGAN PLAYERS

Afire, a fire is burning. I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face and it is my face and yours…” ––words from The Crucible, a play by Arthur Miller, dramatizing the Salem witch trials in Puritan Massachusetts, in the 1690s. Although originally written in 1953 as an allegory exploring the McCarthy-era hunt for communists in the United States, the themes remain relevant for us today, exploring not only political strife and conflict but also, and more poignantly, the mystery of evil itself and the ways in which people participate in it, on a very human level.

Though certainly a historical play, The Crucible nevertheless offers the opportunity to truly encounter our own capacity for darkness––but also our capacity to rise above it, in spite of ourselves. Because in the end Miller also writes us a love story: no Hollywood rom-com, to be sure, but certainly this is a story of love, the kind that runs deep, deeper even than the confusion and conflicts that characterize so much of our human experience.

Of course, it is also a fascinating, gripping play and a great experience to attend. Whoever has seen one of the many Shakespeare plays the Shawnigan Players have put on in the last 11 years - and the many plays in the decades before - knows that with a minimal set, beautiful costumes and capable actors a very entertaining and immersive show can be created.

Some of the actors of recent Shakespeare festivals are performers in The Crucible as well: Jacob Dennison, Alex and Breann Gallacher, Mary Gallagher, Senya Pike, Raine Edgar, Dan Leckey, Graham Fielding, Bruce Childs, Connor Lachmanec, Luke Downs, Svea Young, and several others. Even Longevity John Falkner and Ted Cadillac might show up as characters. Who knows?

Directed by Alex Gallacher of the Shawnigan Players, The Crucible plays at the Duncan Showroom runs to December 4th. Tickets are available through eventbrite.ca. Seating is limited, so don’t hesitate!

ANNUAL OPEN HOUSE AT WESTHOLME DECEMBER 2-4

WALDORF WINTER FAIRE SATURDAY DECEMBER 3

Our Annual Open House at Westholme is Friday - Sunday December 2nd – 4th. We are extending our hours to 10am5pm each day of this event.

This is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community who continues to support our dream of creating a home for tea cultures in Cowichan.

This is a great opportunity to bring a friend and share the warmth of the season, inspired by tea traditions world-wide. Share the space with tea lovers of all backgrounds and ages as you sample teas and delectable sweets!

We are pleased to be sharing several new offerings, including genuine Cowichan knit tea cozies, a Special Reserve of our farm grown tea, as well as newly imported rare teas. Alongside our collection of 150+ organic loose teas + tisanes from around the globe, handbuilt ceramic tea ware + functional art, little library, tea pots + tools hand-wrapped giftsets and more.

Stop by to see what is new, enjoy the light of the woodstove and find the perfect local gift.

We will be open regular hours through December for all your shopping needs. Open House Event December 2-4, 8350 Richards Trail, Westholme www.westholmetea.com Winter Faire is coming to Sunrise Waldorf School! A magical day of winter celebrations and festive activities for all ages. Enjoy tasty fresh baked goods, organic popcorn, grilled lunch and an assortment of refreshments. Participate in kinder crafts, or venture into the Enchanted Garden. Blow a Boat, dip a candle or create a holiday wreath. Family entertainment includes puppet shows, live music, silent auction and a local artisan vendors market. All proceeds go to supporting Sunrise Waldorf School Parents Association. Please bring cash to purchase your tickets. Tickets are $1 each. There will be fun for the whole family! Winter Faire at Sunrise Waldorf School Saturday, December 3, 10am-3pm 2148 Lakeside Road. Duncan www.sunrisewaldorf.org