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Life & Arts

'Crucible,' 'Salesman' playwright dies at 89

By James Davis
The Daily Cougar

Some may consider it tragic that in the midst of Houston's citywide celebration of Arthur Miller's 90th birthday, the playwright passed away Thursday night in his Connecticut home. But there is a justice to his death during a celebration of his life. Though Miller will never have reached 90, the city's observance shows that he has already been immortalized.

Miller, who first achieved recognition with his plays All My Sons and the legendary Death of a Salesman, not only crafted brilliant works of art, but also captured the American conscience, creating a mirror in which audiences could view themselves. The winner of a Pulitzer Prize and multiple New York Drama Critics' Circle Awards, Miller has secured his place as a symbol of the 20th Century and an icon of American literature.

Houston's celebration centers upon the Alley Theatre's, 615 Texas Ave., production of two of Miller's plays: After the Fall, which finished its run Feb. 6, and The Crucible, which premieres next week. The two works, carefully chosen by the Alley, showcase both Miller's personal life and his message of the importance of individuality. Fall, a thinly veiled autobiography, explores Miller's tumultuous love affair with Marilyn Monroe, while The Crucible delves into "the work of the individual conscience when pitted against the uniform thinking of the mob." For those who have read The Crucible for a class but have never seen a live production, the Alley's rendition is sure to illuminate the play's layers of meaning.

Theatergoers wishing to pay homage to the deceased playwright can attend the Alley's production of The Crucible, debuting Feb. 25 and running through March 20. Tickets range in price from $20 to $50, and can be purchased by phone at (713) 228-9341 or online at www.alleytheatre.org.
 

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