Witch hunting is a topic that has been explored in various literary works throughout the centuries. From Shakespeare's iconic play Macbeth to Arthur Miller's renowned play The Crucible, authors have used their writing to shed light on the dark history of witchcraft persecution. These works not only entertain readers, but also serve as important social commentaries, tackling themes of hysteria, power, and the dangers of mob mentality. In Macbeth, Shakespeare presents the story of a noble Scottish warrior who becomes consumed by his ambition and is influenced by three witches' prophecies. The witches play a pivotal role in the play, leading Macbeth down a treacherous path of murder and deception. Shakespeare uses the character of the witches to explore the idea of supernatural powers and their manipulation of human desires.
Where Are They Now? Star Magic Artists Batch 1 (1995)
Star Magic (formerly ABS-CBN Talent Center) is the training and management subsidiary of ABS-CBN Corporation, designed to train young talents in the Philippines, including their acting, personality development, and physical enhancement before being cast in televisions shows and films.
Wanting to establish a stable platform for aspiring stars exclusively for the network, then ABS-CBN executive vice president and general manager Freddie Garcia founded Talent Center together with then program director Johnny Manahan. During its early years, the Talent Center’s project was Ang TV, where stars such as Paolo Contis, Jolina Magdangal, and Claudine Baretto gained popularity.
Thousands of aspirants joined the audition, but only a few dozens were able to join the program. As a result, the Talent Center continued its search through the launching vehicle Star Circle in 1995.
Listed below are the first-ever batch and their whereabouts nearly three decades later.
Shakespeare uses the character of the witches to explore the idea of supernatural powers and their manipulation of human desires. Moreover, the play delves into the consequences of unchecked ambition and the corruption that comes with it. Similarly, The Crucible by Arthur Miller is set during the Salem witch trials of the late 17th century.
Nikka Valencia
Nikka Valencia is Batch 1’s alumna. Born Sharon Rosenfeld, she first appeared on television as one of the 1993 Ang TV cast. That same year, she played the sister of Aga Mulach’s character in the film May Minamahal. Her latest on-screen appearance was in the 2019 film The Annulment starring Lovi Poe, Joem Bascon, and Myrtle Sarrosa. At present, you can find her active on TikTok (@Medyonikka_ano) doing dance hoops.
The play draws parallels between the witch trials and the McCarthyism era of the 1950s, when many innocent individuals were accused of being communists. Through the story of innocent townspeople being falsely accused of witchcraft, Miller highlights the destructive power of fear and the danger of mass hysteria. The Crucible serves as a cautionary tale, reminding readers of the importance of due process and the devastating consequences that can arise when fear and paranoia take control. Both Macbeth and The Crucible offer insights into the historical context of witch hunting and the societal factors that contributed to it. They examine the irrationality and manipulation that occurred during these periods and emphasize the devastating effects of such pursuits. These literary works serve as reminders for future generations to learn from the mistakes of the past and to question authority when necessary. In conclusion, literary works on witch hunting provide valuable insights into society's dark history of persecution and the human capacity for irrationality and cruelty. Both Macbeth and The Crucible explore the dangers of unchecked ambition, fear, and mass hysteria. These works of literature continue to resonate with readers, compelling them to reflect on the past and consider the implications for the present and future..
Reviews for "Lost in the Shadows: Obscure Works on Witch Hunting"
1. Katie - 2 out of 5 stars
I found "Literary work on witch hunting" to be quite disappointing. While I appreciated the historical context and research that went into the book, I found the writing style to be dry and monotonous. The author seemed to focus too much on presenting the facts rather than engaging the reader with a compelling narrative. I also felt that the book lacked a cohesive structure, jumping from one topic to another without clear organization. Overall, I was hoping for a more engaging and immersive reading experience.
2. John - 2 out of 5 stars
I have always been fascinated by the topic of witch hunting, but "Literary work on witch hunting" did not live up to my expectations. The book was filled with lengthy and convoluted sentences that made it difficult to follow the author's train of thought. Additionally, I found the abundance of footnotes and citations to be overwhelming and distracting. It felt more like a scholarly thesis than an accessible work for general readers. While the author clearly had extensive knowledge on the subject, I believe they failed to effectively communicate that knowledge in an engaging manner.
3. Sarah - 1 out of 5 stars
I regret picking up "Literary work on witch hunting". The author's writing style was overly academic and inaccessible, making it difficult to comprehend the information being presented. The book lacked a clear structure and seemed to jump between different time periods and locations without proper explanation or context. Furthermore, the author seemed to have a bias towards debunking witchcraft beliefs, which I found to be dismissive of the experiences and beliefs of those involved in witch trials. Overall, I was deeply disappointed with this book and would not recommend it to anyone interested in the topic.