Drury Drama Team Production Takes on Salem Witch Trials
 |
|
 |
Bridget Bishop, left, is accused of witchcraft in the Drury Drama Team production of 'Cry Innocent.' The interactive play is being staged Thursday and Friday night at 7 p.m. |
Update: Friday night's performance has been moved to Saturday, May 3, at 7 p.m. because of a broken water main at the school.
NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — The Drury Drama Team investigates the Salem Witch Trials in the interactive "Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop" on Thursday and Friday, May 1 and 2.
Both shows are at 7 p.m.; tickets $8 for adults, and $5 for students and seniors.
The production, under the leadership of the team's new director Kathy Caton, takes place in a Salem courtroom in 1692. Bridget Bishop, an outgoing woman who is accused of practicing witchcraft as part of the vast witch hysteria at the time, is being examined for possible indictment.
As testimonies and discussions occur onstage, the story unfolds for the audience, which is encouraged to get involved. The audience members will have the opportunity to ask questions of the actors who are present in the scene.
In the end, it is the audience that chooses the fate of Bridget Bishop — she will be released or taken for further trial.
The play has been running continuously in Salem since the 1990s, usually starting off with Bridget being "arrested" in the street and brought into the courthouse. The actors remain in their roles during questioning as way to enlighten the audience to the ways and mores of early Colonial New England. The production as been
Playwright Mark Stevick will be in the house on Friday night and will offer a postshow lecture.
Tags: high school production, playwright,
