Plays delving into witchcraft have long captivated audiences with their mystical and supernatural themes. Often exploring the line between good and evil, these plays offer a glimpse into the world of witchcraft and its consequences. One example of this is William Shakespeare's play "Macbeth." Set in medieval Scotland, the play follows the protagonist Macbeth as he is seduced by the prophecies of three witches, leading him to commit heinous acts to fulfill his ambitions. The play delves deeply into the themes of fate, free will, and the corrupting power of unchecked ambition. Another well-known play that explores witchcraft is Arthur Miller's "The Crucible.
People went to those they thought were witches to ask for potions and spells, sometimes to make people fall in love with them.
This talk will explore the how and why women have been used as scapegoats throughout history, through accusations of witchcraft, devil worship and demonic possession. We understand that this issue has become an incredibly polarized, and political, position for some Americans, the company said in an email to viewers before Wednesday s preview show.
Another well-known play that explores witchcraft is Arthur Miller's "The Crucible." Based on the Salem witch trials of the 17th century, the play delves into the paranoia and hysteria that gripped the Puritan society as accusations of witchcraft spread. Miller uses witchcraft as a metaphor for the destructive power of fear and the dangers of mass hysteria.
Vegas Theatre Company’s ‘Witch’ delves into a devil’s bargain
Nick Huff, left, and Katrina Currow, right, perform during a dress rehearsal of “Witch,” a 2019 play by Jen Silverman at Vegas Theatre Company, Tuesday, Oct. 12, 2021.
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 | 6:45 p.m.
'Witch' at Vegas Theatre Company
A sleepy Jacobean town called Edmonton will dominate the Vegas Theatre Company stage starting Friday — and the Devil himself will walk its streets.
In “Witch,” the first show to take centerstage at the theater since the start of the pandemic, the Devil, named Scratch, sneaks around granting wishes in exchange for souls. The only one to refuse his offer is the town’s outcast, Elizabeth Sawyer, dubbed the local witch for her solitude and independence.
“Witch” is a 2019 play by Jen Silverman and will premiere this weekend at the company’s venue in Arts Square. Silverman adapts the 1621 play “The Witch of Edmonton,” written by William Rowley, Thomas Dekker and John Ford, by infusing modern-day vernacular — the characters use “like” freely — into the dated period.
The production runs Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Nov. 7. Tickets range from $25–33. Proof of vaccination against COVID-19 or a negative COVID-19 test 72 hours prior to the show’s commencement is required.
“We understand that this issue has become an incredibly polarized, and political, position for some Americans,” the company said in an email to viewers before Wednesday’s preview show. “VTC did not come to this decision from that position — we are only concerned with you, our patrons’, health.”
At the preview, friends and frequent theater-goers Ray Smith and Dan O’Neill said they appreciated the reprised availability of live shows. They expressed dissatisfaction with virtual performances — something many theaters elected to do while stage lights were low — because they did not provide the exact level of connection that in-person performances do.
“You could obviously tell someone put a lot of effort into the production,” O’Neill said. “To me, there’s an immediacy about theater that you don’t have in movies.”
The 80-seat theater’s confined space situates actors like Katrina Currow, who plays Elizabeth, close to audience members. She brandishes a long knife, chin held high as the Devil played by Nick Huff, pitches and lays plain the delights he offers. Elizabeth’s denial is playful and physical, aspects that Currow said she latched onto when preparing for the role.
“There’s a point where I put on the costume, and I just kind of get my body physically where I feel like it needs to be,” she said. “It’s more of just getting into the physical, I think, for this one.”
“Witch” is the first in-person show for Currow, she said, since the pandemic began. Before this, the Vegas Theatre Company, formerly known as Cockroach Theatre Company, worked virtually during COVID-19 related shutdowns. But a return to the stage is a relief, artistic director Daz Weller said, as well as a resurgence of what theater is meant to be.
“Theater is actually about connection, and it’s about coming together,” he said. “Without that coming together, it really doesn’t exist.”
Director Andrew Paul said the turnaround for receiving the script and audition process was approximately two weeks. A month of rehearsals later, Paul said he thinks the actors need an audience to elevate the play.
“It’s a true ensemble play for six actors, and it’s a tour de force for the six actors,” he said. “It’s just a really interesting play.”
As artistic director, Weller selected the play for production at the company. Though the play was written before the pandemic, Weller said he thinks audiences will be able to eye overlapping themes.
“I think it really kind of speaks to the sense of the way that we’ve all been going through this struggle between hope and despair,” he said. “It also kind of raises the question of, ‘What do we want to go back to? Do the structures that we’ve put in place actually support us moving forward?’”
Thursday, Oct. 14, 2021 | 6:45 p.m.
The play raises questions about the nature of truth and justice, forcing audiences to examine their own beliefs and actions. Both "Macbeth" and "The Crucible" highlight the dangers and consequences of dealing with witchcraft. While the supernatural elements may be fictitious, the themes portrayed are deeply rooted in human nature. The plays explore the dark side of humanity, showing how unchecked ambition and fear can lead to destruction and chaos. By delving into witchcraft, these plays provide a window into the human psyche and provoke audiences to reflect on their own moral choices. In conclusion, plays delving into witchcraft offer a unique and intriguing exploration of supernatural themes and human nature. Through the examination of ambition, fear, and moral choices, these plays challenge audiences to confront their own beliefs and actions. The captivating allure of witchcraft serves as a backdrop for the deeper exploration of the human condition and the consequences of our choices..
Reviews for "The Witching Hour: Creating Atmosphere and Suspense in Witchcraft Plays"
1. Sarah - 2 stars - I found "Plays delving into witchcraft" to be really overrated. The theme of witchcraft could have been interesting, but it fell short in execution. The plays lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional, making it hard to connect with them. Additionally, the dialogue felt forced and unnatural, making the overall experience quite disappointing. I was hoping for a captivating exploration of witchcraft, but instead, I felt bored and unengaged throughout the entire performance.
2. Alex - 1 star - "Plays delving into witchcraft" was a complete waste of time and money. The writing was cliché and predictable, offering no originality or unique perspective on the subject matter. The performances were lackluster, with the actors failing to bring any life or authenticity to their roles. Moreover, the set design and costumes were poorly executed, adding to the overall lackluster atmosphere of the plays. I had high hopes for this production, but it ultimately left me deeply disappointed and unimpressed.
3. Emily - 2 stars - While I usually enjoy plays with dark themes, "Plays delving into witchcraft" missed the mark for me. The portrayal of witchcraft felt superficial and stereotypical, lacking any real depth or understanding of the subject matter. The pacing was off, and the plays dragged on without much purpose or direction. It's a shame because there is so much potential in exploring witchcraft on stage, but this production failed to deliver a compelling and thought-provoking experience.