Interviewer: Good morning listeners and welcome back to the program. This weeks segment of Great American Literature will be about the infamous play, the Crucible, and its relevance, both politically and psychologically, with the modern world. Joining us today is none other than Sir Nicholas Hytner, director of the film adaptation of The Crucible. Mr Hytner has been directing plays since the early 80s with great successes such as Miss Saigon and Carousel. He has also more recently turned to film, with his movie, The Madness of King George, winning the BAFTA Award for Best British Movie in 1996. Lastly, he was knighted in 2010 for his services in drama and the theatre. Good morning Nicholas, its a pleasure to have you here today.Interviewer: Yes. Firstly, having directed the film adaptation of The Crucible, you would very much be in touch with the themes in the play. Are any of these themes still evident today?Interviewer: Speaking of hysteria, Arthur Miller released The Crucible in 1953, during the height of the McCarthyism era and the anti-communist movement. Having directed his play, you would be able to experience what he was thinking during his time writing the play, do you think his words are influenced by the political happenings of the time?Interviewer: So youre saying that The Crucible is just a recount of the events of 1950s America, except in a different context. However, what about the idea of religion in Salem. This wasnt apparent during the McCarthy era, why would Mr Miller include this in his play?Interviewer: Thank you Nicholas for your time. Your insights and thoughts about The Crucible were riveting.