Tony award-winning director Danya Taymor (“The Outsiders” musical) chatted about directing her new play “John Proctor is the Villain” on Broadway.
‘John Proctor is the Villain’
The synopsis is: At a high school in a rural town in Georgia, an English class is studying “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, but the students are more preoccupied with navigating young love, sex education, and a few school scandals.
As they delve into the classic American play, the students begin to question the play’s perspective and the validity of naming John Proctor the show’s hero.
Winning the Drama Desk Award for ‘Best Direction of a Play’
Taymor won her first-ever Drama Desk Award for “Outstanding Direction of a Play” for her work in “John Proctor is the Villain.”
“It felt so overwhelming and so exciting,” Taymor said about her Drama Desk win. “I am so happy for the play and for everyone involved.”
What sets the Drama Desk Awards apart is that they are voted on and bestowed by critics, journalists, editors, and publishers covering the theater community. The Drama Desk Awards honor all aspects of New York’s professional theater.
Taymor on directing ‘John Proctor is the Villain’
On directing this show, Taymor said, “It was the opportunity of a lifetime. It’s a play about teenage girls; it is so beautiful, funny, and emotional. It was incredible.”
Taymor is also nominated for the 2025 Tony Award for “Best Direction of a Play.” Should she win, it would be back-to-back Tony Awards (last year, she won her first Tony Award for directing “The Outsiders” musical).
Lessons learned from ‘John Proctor is the Villain’
On the lessons learned from this show, she reflected, “It taught me that it’s okay to be a vulnerable and emotional person.”
Success
Regarding her definition of the word success, Taymor said, “Continuing to get to make beautiful work with great collaborators.”
To learn more about “John Proctor is the Villain,” visit its official homepage.
Read More: “John Proctor is the Villain” review.
