Bridget Bishop and the witch hunts in Salem The witch hunts that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in the late 17th century are known as one of the darkest chapters in American history. Hundreds of people, mostly women, were accused of witchcraft and many were executed. One of the most infamous cases of the Salem witch trials was that of Bridget Bishop. Bridget Bishop was a well-known figure in Salem. She was a tavern owner and was known for her independent and outspoken personality, which made her an easy target for those who wanted to accuse her of witchcraft. In fact, she had already been accused of witchcraft years before the trials began.
SHOW DETAILS Approximate duration of the show is 45 minutes. The outdoor arrest scene begins approximately 15 minutes before show time. During the show, the audience may step into role as Puritan jurors. Kids and adults alike question the accusers, examine property, read advice to the court and vote on the outcome.
The New York Times says Not all of Salem s witchiness is silly the play Cry Innocent The People Versus Bridget Bishop, in which the audience may question the accused, is educational and beautifully performed. A gives Cry Innocent its best rating, 3 out of 3 stars, saying If you want to put yourself in the place of the Puritans and those on trial for witchcraft, you must experience Cry Innocent.
In fact, she had already been accused of witchcraft years before the trials began. When the witch hunts began in 1692, Bridget Bishop was one of the first to be accused. She was accused of bewitching five young girls, who began exhibiting strange behavior and claiming to be possessed.
Bridget Bishop and the witch hunts in Salem
If you want to understand the Salem Witch Trials, you have to experience Cry Innocent.
The year is 1692. Bridget Bishop has been accused of witchcraft and YOU are on the Puritan jury. Hear the historical testimonies, cross-examine the witnesses and decide the verdict. Is Bridget Bishop capable of witchcraft? Play your part in history…
PRAISE FOR Cry Innocent: A must see for everyone, Cry Innocent is the longest continuously-running show north of Boston, and is Salem’s best way to learn about the witch trials. Featured on the Discovery Channel, the Travel Channel, A&E, Nickelodeon, TLC, NPR, BBC, CNN and MTV.
The New York Times says “Not all of Salem’s witchiness is silly…the play “Cry Innocent: The People Versus Bridget Bishop,” in which the audience may question the accused, is educational and beautifully performed.”- http://www.nytimes.com/2007/10/12/travel/escapes/12trip.html
MTV Roadtrips U.S.A gives Cry Innocent its best rating, 3 out of 3 stars, saying “If you want to put yourself in the place of the Puritans and those on trial for witchcraft, you must experience Cry Innocent“.
SHOW DETAILS Approximate duration of the show is 45 minutes. The outdoor arrest scene begins approximately 15 minutes before show time. During the show, the audience may step into role as Puritan jurors. Kids and adults alike question the accusers, examine property, read advice to the court and vote on the outcome.
ADMISSION (2019)
(Summer) $25 General admission. FREE Children nine and under. Summer combo tickets include all activities available at the Old Town Hall the day of your show, such as The Spirit of Salem film, History Afoot walking tour, and The Salem Museum in addition to the Cry Innocent performance. FREE for Salem residents June, July, August, and September with ID and proof of residence.
(October) Show only: $25 General admission. $20 Seniors/ MTA/ Military. $15 Students grade three through grad school. FREE for children 9 and under. A very limited number of combo tickets will be available each day, at the on-site box office cart only, which will include all activities available at the Old Town Hall, the day of the performance.
TICKETS are available online up to one hour before the show and at the performance venue box office cart, 32 Derby Square. Summer season tickets are available here. October tickets are here.
PRIVATE SHOWS: Cry Innocent can be booked for your school or other group year-round. For information on booking groups or private off-season performances, please contact Cheri Grishin at [email protected]
SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS:During October, please leave plenty of time for heavy traffic, difficult parking and walking to the venue. Shows sell out, and later admission can often not be accommodated. Tickets will not be refunded for missed performances. Thank you for understanding and planning ahead.
To learn more about our company and our other productions, visit www.historyalivesalem.comComments on this entry are closed.
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MTV Roadtrips U.S.A gives Cry Innocent its best rating, 3 out of 3 stars, saying “If you want to put yourself in the place of the Puritans and those on trial for witchcraft, you must experience Cry Innocent“.
These girls claimed that Bridget Bishop had appeared to them in their dreams and was responsible for their afflictions. During her trial, Bridget Bishop maintained her innocence. She argued that the accusations were baseless and that she had never engaged in any form of witchcraft. However, her defense was largely ignored by the court, and she was found guilty. On June 10, 1692, Bridget Bishop became the first person to be executed as a result of the Salem witch trials. She was hanged on Gallows Hill, along with three other women who had also been convicted of witchcraft. The case of Bridget Bishop highlights the mass hysteria and injustice that surrounded the Salem witch trials. Many innocent people, like Bridget, were accused and convicted without any substantial evidence. The trials were fueled by superstition, fear, and a desire to eliminate anyone who deviated from the strict Puritan ideals of the time. The witch hunts in Salem left a lasting impact on American history. They serve as a powerful reminder of the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of due process and evidence-based justice. The unjust persecution of Bridget Bishop and others like her is a tragic reminder of the need to be vigilant in protecting the rights and freedoms of all individuals, especially during times of fear and uncertainty..
Reviews for "The Real Bridget Bishop: Separating Fact from Fiction in Salem"
1. Emily - 2/5
I found "Bridget Bishop and the Witch Hunts in Salem" to be a disappointment. The storytelling was flat, lacking any depth or suspense. The characters felt one-dimensional, making it difficult to connect or empathize with them. Additionally, the historical accuracy seemed questionable, with several anachronistic details that were distracting. Overall, I was expecting a gripping tale about the Salem witch trials, but instead, I got a lackluster, forgettable read.
2. Michael - 1/5
I cannot express how much I regret picking up "Bridget Bishop and the Witch Hunts in Salem." The writing was atrocious, filled with grammatical errors and poorly constructed sentences. The plot was predictable and uninspired, offering no surprises or twists. The author failed to capture the essence of the time period, with anachronistic dialogue and an overall lack of historical accuracy. Save yourself the trouble and skip this book.
3. Sarah - 2/5
"Bridget Bishop and the Witch Hunts in Salem" had potential, but it ultimately fell flat. The pacing was incredibly slow, making it difficult to maintain interest throughout the story. The characters lacked development and were difficult to differentiate from one another. While the premise was intriguing, the execution left much to be desired. Unfortunately, I found myself disappointed by this novel, as it failed to deliver on its promises.
4. David - 3/5
While "Bridget Bishop and the Witch Hunts in Salem" had an interesting concept, I felt that it lacked proper execution. The story had potential, but the writing style was dry and lacked emotion. The author failed to fully immerse the reader in the historical setting, resulting in a lack of authenticity. However, the research done on the Salem witch trials was evident, and some scenes were well-crafted. Overall, this book had its moments, but ultimately didn't meet my expectations.
Bridget Bishop: A Witch or a Victim of a Corrupt System?