"John Proctor is the Villain" - Dr. Macy Jones stages questions about power, authority, and who abuses it

The University of Ozarks Theatre Department staged "John Proctor is the Villain" in the spring of 2024. The 2022 play written by Kimberly Belflower debuted on Broadway shortly before the University of the Ozarks performance, directed by Tony award winner Danya Taymor and with Stranger Things star Sadie Sink in its ensemble cast. The story takes place in a small high school during the 2018 #MeToo movement, where students reading The Crucible and discussing abuses of power must also navigate accusations of sexual assault and other misdeeds among their friends and family members. Dr. Macy Jones, the Walton Chair of Theatre at U of O, talks with host Kjersta Lybbert about the story, its central questions, and how students today navigate those topics. "John Proctor is the Villain" will run April 24-26 and May 1-3 at the Walton Fine Arts Center on the university campus.