Trinity Rep has chosen has chosen Talene Monahon’s prequel to “The Crucible” to open their 60th Anniversary Season in repertory with Sarah Ruhl’s ”Becky Nurse of Salem”.

Performed on a bare stage, with four actresses playing adolescent girls, the play introduces four character who are an integral part of “The Crucible”.

While John Proctor’s name is in the title, he is only referred to in the play.

Abagail (Deanna Myers) and Betty (Rebecca-Anne Whittaker) share a bed and spend time together talking girl talk and speculating about witchcraft and what lies beyond the wood.

They live in the repressed society of 16th century Salem and are influenced by rumors and speculation, knowing little of the world that lies beyond them.

Abagail’s period leads to much discussion and misinformation, enhanced by their whisky drinking, negative friend, Mercy (Lori Vega).

Their dull existence is livened by Mary Warren (Rachael Warren), as is the play, an 18-year old adventuress who comes from beyond the wood.

The girls play imaginary games, play with dolls and talk endlessly. The opening night audience found the girly banter to be quite funny, but I found much poignancy in their lack of knowledge.

While dressed in clothes of the era, the author chose to put modern language on their tongues, including a number of profanities, and even the current response, “Duh!”

The play ends where “The Crucible” begins, in the woods.

The acting is excellent, especially Trinity company member since 2002, Rachael Warren.

I did miss some of the lines on opening night as many of the young audience members found more humor than I, drowning out some of the subsequent lines.

Sarah Ruhl’s “Becky Nurse of Salem” follows in repertory with previews beginning September21. Call 351-4242 for reservations.