John Proctor is the Villain
Directed by Jules Odendahl-James
November 21st - 25th, 2024
At a rural high school in Georgia, a group of lively teens explore The Crucible while navigating young love, sex ed, and a few school scandals. With a contemporary lens on the American classic, the young women begin to discover their power and agency, finding a way to hold both the classic text and their community to account – with a profound sense of rage, authenticity, and hope. Alternately touching and bitingly funny, this new comedy captures a generation in mid-transformation, running on pop music, optimism, and fury, writing their own coming of age story.
Concerning Behavior.
It’s a really intense time
but that’s what literature is for
that’s what art is for
to make sense of moments in time like this one.
— Mr. Smith
Our play is set in 2018, a little over one year into a new, divisive presidential administration that overlapped a wave of revelations regarding gender violence by powerful men across public institutions and private industries long hidden by intimidation, legal maneuvering, and hush money. A moment in time that as of November 5, 2024, has become (re)emerging reality versus historical account.
Y’all just have a really low bar for boy’s behavior.
–Shelby
Such is the risk and reward of plays, which are bound to the contexts of when they were written and when they are performed. Our characters experience how art can be a tool that reinforces the status quo and suppresses unpopular opinions. But just as the students at Helen County High School are compelled to take a new look at a “great hero of the American theater,” Belflower’s text reminds us that the answer to “how did we get here?” (or perhaps “how do we keep getting here?”) is animated by a few enduring and damning dynamics. Fortunately, UNC-Chapel Hill has Professor Tressie McMillan Cottom, one of the most compelling cultural critics on its faculty, whose insights I encourage everyone to seek in the pages of The New York Times.
I’m not going to pretend I don’t know something
If I already know it
that’s part of what makes me smart
— Nell
Perhaps one of the best (and overdue) outcomes of theater’s own grappling with #metoo is greater attention to performers’ emotional and physical health. With the help of our Intimacy Director, the ensemble has built a caring community of consent-based practice to navigate the play’s demands. Please avail yourself of the nearest exit if the play brings forward overwhelming feelings of distress and inform house management if you need immediate attention. If you are inspired to get involved in support systems on campus or in the community, please pursue the campus resources listed in the program to learn more.
one day
maybe
the new world we were promised
will actually be new
–Raelynn
Jules Odendahl-James
Secure tickets for the following performances:
Thursday, November 21st at 7:30pm
Friday, November 22nd at 7:30pm
Saturday, November 23rd at 7:30pm
Sunday, November 24th at 2:00pm
Sunday, November 24th at 7:30pm
Monday, November 25th at 5:30pm
Jules Odendahl-James (Director) is a dramaturg and director and an alum of UNC-Chapel Hill (PhD, '03). A co-founder of Durham’s Bulldog Ensemble Theatre and a recent venture, Theater Book Club (We Read. You Discuss.), her artistic work focuses on documentary media/performance, feminist and queer theater, and collaborations between scientists and artists. She serves as the Director of Engagement for Duke Arts, the chair of the Student Arts Awards faculty committee, and the faculty advisor for the Duke Disability Alliance. Recent directing includes productions of Sarah Ruhl's Eurydice and readings of Dr. Ride's American Beach House by Liza Berkenmeier and Lucy Kirkwood's The Children.
Nell - Aniah Stitt (she/her)
This is Aniah's very first show with KTC, and she is so excited for everyone to see this fantastic play! She wants to give a special shoutout to Taliyah and Niyat for always going over lines with her! She loves all of her friends and family, and thank you for never neglecting her theatre kid-ness! <3!!!!
Mr. Smith - Charlie Costal (he/him)
Charlie Costal (Mr. Smith) is proud to be taking part in his first production with the Kenan Theatre Company. Charlie is a Sophomore at UNC where, besides acting, he is a journalism major and campus tour guide. His previous roles include Chad in All Shook Up, J. Pierrepont Finch in How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, and Robert in The Drowsy Chaperone. Charlie would like to thank the entire cast and crew, Jules, Ruth, David, and all others for their dedication and hard work on this production. He would also like to thank his mom and dad.
Raelynn - Ali Patalano (they/them)
Ali Patalano is a sophomore studying the dramatic arts at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Ali has worked on many stage productions and on some short films. A few of Ali’s performances include roles such as Nina in The Seagull, Puck in A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Clown 1 in The 39 Steps. They hope to pursue a career in performance or theater education. Ali is incredibly excited about this production and the message it has to share and hopes that everyone enjoys the show.
Bailey Gallagher - Olivian Ingledue (she/they)
Olivian is a senior Dramatic Arts major who has been acting her entire life. She wants to thank her family, friends, and all the loved ones who have supported her craziness throughout the years. When she's not in the theatre, she can be found strumming her guitar or in a dance practice.
Ivy Watkins - Aarrya Pillai
Aarrya Pillai (Ivy) is thrilled to join the cast of John Proctor is the Villain in her debut performance with KTC. This marks her return to the stage since graduating from Northwest School of the Arts, where she realized the only thing more dramatic than high school is a play about being in high school. A sophomore majoring in Psychology and Economics, Aarrya spends her days trying to figure out what she spent all her money on (it’s coffee). She’d like to thank Jules, the phenomenal cast and crew, her incredible friends and family, ChatGPT for helping me write this, and Beyoncé. Enjoy the show!
Mason - Chayton Fair
Chayton is a second year UNC student and a proud member of the 'John Proctor is the Villain' community. This is Chayton's second role with the Kenan Theater Company following an initial outing in The Seagull in the spring of last year. Chayton would like to thank the DDA community, which has, through the exceptional work of both its students and faculty, has given them so much.
Lee Turner - Reece Brigman (he/him)
Reece Brigman (Lee Turner) is excited to participate in his first production with the Kenan Theatre Company. He is a freshman hoping to pursue media and journalism at the Hussman School in the upcoming years. Some of Reece's favorite roles he has participated in include Laurie in Little Women, Ensemble in the Dining Room, and Madhatter in Alice in Wonderland. He would like to thank Ruth, David, Jules, and the fantastic cast and crew for such a great experience.
Beth - Liddy Wade (she/her)
Liddy Wade is a senior, and this is her third production with KTC! She loved getting to work on NIA and Men on Boats, and is so excited to get to work with another group of amazing actors and designers. She wants to give a big thank you to her family in Richmond and her dog, Randolph for letting her leave his side for weeks at a time. Sunday-Thursday 6:00-10:00 has become her favorite time of day, and she wouldn't have the first idea what one might normally do during this time. It's been an honor to work on this show, and she's so excited for you all to see it!
Shelby - Alivia Weum (she/her)
Alivia Weum is a sophomore studying both English and Dramatic Art at UNC Chapel Hill, and she is so excited to join the wonderful cast of John Proctor is the Villain. At UNC, Alivia’s past roles include OG Howland with KTC’s Men on Boats and Stoner Chick in Company Carolina’s Heathers. Alivia would like to thank the incredible cast and crew, her endlessly supportive friends and family, and Jules for being such a strong guide when navigating the show’s pressingly important messages. She is so grateful for the team behind this show and hopes you enjoy the performance!
Stage Manager - Ruth Egan (she/her)
She is a Junior exchange student from The University of Galway studying Dramatic Art at UNC for this semester. She's thrilled to be involved in such a beautiful show with such a lovely cast and crew! She's really proud of everyone and hopes you all enjoy the show!!
She’s worked as a director, stage manager, lighting designer and set designer in Galway and she loves watching the process of theatre go from page to stage.
Assistant Stage Manager - Amelia Chan
Hello, I’m super excited to be working on John Proctor with an amazing cast and crew! I’m a freshman double majoring in neuroscience and psych, and I worked backstage last year on my school’s production of Little Shop of Horrors. It was a ton of fun and I really wanted to do more work in theater. Thanks to my supportive friends and family, I was able to build the courage to join the crew of this production.
Producer - Malia Tucker (she/her)
This is Malia's first time as a producer, and she has loved being involved in this process. She has been in a couple KTC shows in the past and is a Dramatic Arts major here at UNC. She is so excited for the cast and crew to share this show and message with people!
Producer - Tim Yardley (he/him)
Tim is a senior double majoring in Vocal Performance and Economics. This is his first show on crew with KTC after being in the cast of Something Rotten! and Failure: A Love Story earlier this year. Tim spent his summer at Lincoln Center in NYC working at the Opera and is thrilled to be back behind the scenes for John Proctor. Thank you to our tireless cast and crew for making this production happen!
Costume Designer - Kristen Coleman (they/she)
This is Kristen’s third KTC show but their first as a lead designer. Special thanks to supportive friends!
Lighting Designer - Izzy Council (she/her)
Izzy Council is a junior and transfer student at UNC. She is making her debut as a light designer and in her first production with the Kenan Theater Company. During her final year at Clayton High School, Izzy served as the stage manager for Rumors and Chicago. Early in her high school career, she also helped with the creation and the design of sets. She would like to thank her family for always supporting her, Dave for giving her a chance, and M.E. Quinn for being an amazing mentor and friend. Izzy is thrilled to grow her skills in her new position at UNC and is excited to work with the amazing people at KTC!
Set Designer - Loxley Wayland (she/they)
Previously set designed for KTC for "Exit, Pursued By A Bear", as well as assistant set designing for "The Seagull" and "Men On Boats". A lifelong theater kid. Will steal your kneecaps; this is not a threat, but a promise.
Sound Design/Publicity - Ellie O'Connell (she/her)
Ellie is a sophomore studying Journalism and Dramatic Arts and feels so lucky to have been a part of this incredible show. This is her third show at UNC, but her first time working on the tech side of things and it has been such a wonderful learning experience. She'd like to applaud this amazing cast and crew for the beautiful show you're bound to love. (And Jules for the best pre-show playlist ever.)
Props Designer - Megan Cvijanovich (she/they)
Megan is a dramatic art and english double major with a passion for romance books! This is her sixth production with KTC so far and their first time working on props! They would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work and dedication in putting this show together.
Intimacy Director - Veronica Dress (she/her)
Veronica Dress (she/her) is thrilled to support this production of John Proctor is the Villain as their intimacy director. Founder of The Dress Rehearsal, a sexuality education and intimacy coaching practice, Veronica is passionate about creating consent-forward spaces where everyone can thrive. You can find her directing intimacy throughout the Triangle for companies like Burning Coal Theatre, National Women’s Theatre Festival, Raleigh Little Theatre, and various universities. When she isn’t in the rehearsal room, you can find her staring adoringly at her cats, traveling with her community, or shimmying on the burlesque stage. Thank you to the cast and team of John Proctor is the Villain for allowing her to join in on this incredible production!
