Overview
This exciting drama about the Puritan purge of witchcraft in old Salem
is both a gripping historical play and a timely parable of our
contemporary society. The story tells “how small lies - children’s lies -
build and build until a whole town is aroused and 19 men and women go
to the gallows for being possessed of the Devil ... They are good men
and women, upright, hardworking, compassionate and Godfearing ... (The
story) focuses upon a young farmer, his wife and a young servant girl
who maliciously causes the wife’s arrest for witchcraft. The farmer
brings the girl to court to admit the lie - and here, in this trial
scene, is the big moment. It is a thrilling, bloodcurdling, terrifying
scene, as it depicts the monstrous course of bigotry and deceit. The
farmer, instead of saving his wife, finds himself also accused,
imprisoned and condemned.” [N.Y. Daily News]