In the world of theater and performance arts, one topic that continues to enthrall and captivate audiences is that of witches. Whether it be a serious exploration of the supernatural or a comedic take on their mischievous ways, plays about witches have a timeless appeal. These plays often draw inspiration from folklore, mythology, and historical events such as the Salem witch trials. They explore the themes of power, morality, gender, and society's fear of the unknown. The characters within these plays are often complex, with varying motivations and shades of gray. One well-known example of a play about witches is William Shakespeare's "Macbeth.

Witch

Written By Jen Silverman Directed by Marti Lyons Inspired by “The Witch of Edmonton” by Rowley, Dekker & Ford Featuring Brian George, Ruy Iskandar, Evan Jonigkeit, Vella Lovell, Maura Tierney & Will Von Vogt

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater
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OVERVIEW

Golden Globe winner Maura Tierney (ER, The Affair) is featured in this fiendishly funny new play by Jen Silverman (The Roommate, Collective Rage: A Play in Five Betties). A charming devil arrives in the quiet village of Edmonton to bargain for the souls of its residents in exchange for their darkest wishes. Elizabeth should be his easiest target, having been labeled a “witch” and cast out by the town, but her soul is not so readily bought. An inventive retelling of a Jacobean drama, this sharp, subversive fable debates how much our souls are worth when hope is hard to come by.

Performance Information Runtime 95 minutes, no intermission. Late Seating

There is no late seating and no re-entry once the performance begins.

This play contains adult subject matter and violence, and is not recommended to those under the age of 15.

Audrey Skirball Kenis Theater
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“A spell worth casting.” “Brilliantly creative.” “Devilishly clever, deliciously laugh-packed.” “A spell worth casting.” “Brilliantly creative.” “Devilishly clever, deliciously laugh-packed.” “A spell worth casting.” “Brilliantly creative.” “Devilishly clever, deliciously laugh-packed.”

“A spell worth casting.”

— The Hollywood Reporter

The Witches (Wood/Dahl)

In this faithful stage adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story, Boy and his Grandmother defeat the Grand High Witch and her followers, who are holding a Conference in an English seaside hotel.

The Witches (Wood/Dahl)

• Cast Size

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Summary

This is a faithful adaptation of Roald Dahl’s classic story in which Boy and his Grandmother defeat the Grand High Witch and her followers, who are holding a Conference in an English seaside hotel. During the struggle, Boy gets turned into a mouse.

The Witches are nothing like the ones who wear pointed hats and fly on broomsticks – they look very much like ordinary women, which helps their deception. The play offers many opportunities for illusions and inventive puppetry. Humour is provided by the vulgar Jenkins family, whose son, Bruno, also becomes a mouse.

History

Cast Attributes

• Reduced casting (Doubling Possible)

Keywords

Performing Groups

• High School/Secondary
• College Theatre / Student
• Community Theatre
• Professional Theatre

BOY
GRANDMOTHER
DISPLAY WITCH/ WITCH ONE/ VOICE OF MAID
LAWYER/ HOTEL DORRMAN/ HEAD WAITER
SAILOR/ DOCTOR/ MR. JENKINS/ HEAD CHEF
NURSE/ WAITRESS
TREE-HOUSE WITCH/ MRS. JENKINS/ WITCH TWO
BRUNO JENKINS/ FROG/ SECOND CHEF
GRAND HIGH WITCH
WAITER

Actors to play 21 roles

• No Special Cautions

Media

“The Witches is a total delight.” – Evening Standard

“[A] cracking adaptation” – The Guardian

“This vermonious entertainment has a good hiss-and-boo rating and can be warmly recommended to dutiful parents as well as to their children.” – Sunday Telegraph

“While the kids will be thrilled by the dazzling illusions and the complex puppetry, their parents will be no less engaged by the sly humour that lurks within this ostensibly frivolous confection.” – What’s On

“Innovative, ingenious and full of warmth and humour, this was family entertainment at its best.” – Bath Evening Chronicle

“This is going to be an enduring classic.” – Bristol Evening Post

“David Wood’s adaptation is unmissable for kids and adults alike.” – Glasgow Evening Times

“This stylish adaptation of Roald Dahl’s The Witches is so utterly beguiling, it carries you along on a glorious journey of fiendish fantasy. The Witches is top-drawer family entertainment – chilling but thrilling!” – Bournemouth Evening Echo

ON BREAKING CHARACTER

The greatest theatre witches of all time

By strict supernatural standards, the answer is ‘not Abigail Williams’. The only witchcraft the teenage antagonist of Arthur Miller’s masterpiece ‘The Crucible’ is technically guilty of is having a bit of a dance (admittedly, this was a clear sign of witchcraft in the Puritan New England the play is set in).

However, the scared, hurt and vindictive young woman harnesses the superstition and cruelty of her society to spark the Salem Witch Trials, in which 20 innocent people were executed for consorting with the devil on the basis of her word. Based on a real-life historical figure, Abigail is a troubling, ambiguous and haunting character, crafted by a playwright at the absolute zenith of his powers. She’s not a ‘real’ witch, but her dark powers go far beyond those of anybody else on this list.

A production of ‘The Crucible’ is running at the National Theatre until Nov 5.

Photo: Matt Crockett

One well-known example of a play about witches is William Shakespeare's "Macbeth." The play delves into the dark and destructive consequences of unchecked ambition as Macbeth and his wife become consumed by their desire for power. The supernatural element is introduced through the three witches, who play a significant role in manipulating Macbeth's actions and predicting the future.

2. Elphaba, ‘Wicked’

The Wicked Witch of the West has been kicking around in various mediums since she first appeared as the principal villain in Frank L Baum’s 1900 children’s novel ‘The Wonderful Wizard of Oz’. Her cackling, green-skinned, black-clad image was forever cemented by Margaret Hamilton’s portrayal in the iconic 1939 movie adaptation. But Gregory Maguire’s revisionist 1995 novel ‘Wicked’ offered a far more sympathetic portrayal and gave her the name Elphaba. In 2003 it was turned into a stage musical by Steven Schwartz, which offered an even more likeable take on the character, as a misunderstood tragic heroine. It’s one of the greatest reputational comebacks in witching history, one that’s cemented by her big number, the absolutely killer ‘Defying Gravity’. A two-part movie adaptation is due 2024 and 2025.

‘Wicked’ is booking at the Victoria Apollo until Nov 26 2023.

Another notable play in this genre is Arthur Miller's "The Crucible." Based on the events of the Salem witch trials in the late 17th century, the play explores the mass hysteria and paranoia that gripped the Puritan community. It examines themes of truth, falsehood, and the danger of unchecked accusations, all through the lens of witchcraft. In recent years, there has been a resurgence of interest in plays about witches, inspired in part by popular culture phenomena such as "Harry Potter" and "The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina." These contemporary adaptations often bring a fresh perspective to the topic, using humor, fantasy, and modern themes to engage audiences. Ultimately, plays about witches continue to captivate audiences due to their ability to delve into the depths of human nature, challenge societal norms, and explore the supernatural. They provide a platform for exploration, reflection, and ultimately, entertainment. Whether it is a classic Shakespearean tragedy or a modern-day comedy, these plays offer a unique insight into the timeless fascination with witches and their place in our imaginations..

Reviews for "The Witch's Redemption: A Poignant Play About Redemption and Magic"

1. Mary - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with "Play about witches". The story felt weak and unoriginal, with predictable plot twists and one-dimensional characters. The dialogue was also lackluster, failing to capture the essence of a witch's world or the magic it should possess. Overall, it was a letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to others.

2. John - 1/5 - "Play about witches" was an absolute disaster. From the start, it lacked coherence and failed to engage the audience. The actors seemed disconnected and their performances were subpar at best. The set design was unimpressive, and the overall production felt amateurish. I couldn't wait for it to end and I certainly won't be attending another play by this theater company anytime soon.

3. Sarah - 2/5 - I had high hopes for "Play about witches", but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The story felt disjointed and convoluted, making it difficult to follow. The pacing was off, with slow moments and rushed scenes that made it hard to fully immerse myself in the narrative. While the concept had potential, the execution was lackluster, leaving me unsatisfied with the overall experience.

4. Robert - 2/5 - I found "Play about witches" to be underwhelming. The plot was predictable, and the character development was lacking. The dialogue felt forced and unnatural, and the actors struggled to make it believable. Additionally, the production value was low, with minimal effort put into the set design and costumes. Overall, it was a forgettable experience that failed to capture my attention or leave a lasting impact.

5. Emily - 1/5 - "Play about witches" was a complete waste of time and money. The writing was weak, with cliched tropes and predictable twists. The actors seemed disinterested and lacked chemistry with each other. The production as a whole felt uninspired, and it failed to create any sense of magic or excitement. I left the theater feeling incredibly disappointed and regretting my decision to attend this play.

Witchcraft in the Modern World: A Contemporary Theatrical Piece