There once was a witch who had a dark reputation. Her name was Morgana, and her presence struck fear into the hearts of the local villagers. Legends and rumors easily spread about her powers and her twisted desires. Many believed that she could control the elements, summon dark spirits, and cast spells that would bring ruin upon all those who crossed her path. Morgana's reputation grew even darker when tales of her involvement in unspeakable rituals and sacrifices began to circulate. It was said that Morgana had made a pact with the devil himself, trading her soul in exchange for unimaginable power.
It was said that Morgana had made a pact with the devil himself, trading her soul in exchange for unimaginable power. This tale of demonic allegiance only served to further fuel the villagers' fears and suspicions. They shunned her and believed that her very presence brought curses and misfortune upon their community.
Witch
"What if there is something amazing ahead of us, and all we have to do is burn down everything we know to get to it?"
Based on a Jacobean play written when witches were still being burned across Europe, Witch follows a devil named Scratch as he plays with the desires, grievances and ambitions of two young men, only to see him shocked and intrigued when an outcast woman becomes the first to refuse his offer. Jen Silverman's play offers a collection of richly drawn characters all forced to confront how their desires are shaped by, and may even be able to do undo, the systems of power that limit them.
Content Advisory: Strong language, violence, and death
Tickets are $15 general admission, $5 youth, students, and seniors, and can be purchased in advance online at the Fine Arts Center Box Office or by calling 1-413-545-2511.
DEAR PATRONS: IF YOU HAD TICKETS TO THE FEB. 25 PERFORMANCE WHICH WAS CANCELLED DUE TO THE SNOWSTORM, YOU MAY EXCHANGE THEM FOR ANY OTHER PERFORMANCE OF WITCH. CHECK YOUR EMAIL FOR INSTRUCTIONS FROM THE BOX OFFICE, OR BRING YOUR FRIDAY TICKET WITH YOU TO EXCHANGE IT AT THE DOOR.
COVID safety note:
Before you purchase tickets, please read our Patron COVID Safety Policy to ensure you are prepared. Patrons who are unable to meet the requirements WILL be turned away at the door. Although masking regulations are changing as the pandemic progresses, please note that UMass Theater, until further notice, WILL REQUIRE masks for all audience members.
However, despite her fearsome reputation, Morgana was rarely seen, choosing to live in isolation deep within the nearby forest. It was at the edge of this forest that a young woman named Elena decided to confront Morgana and uncover the truth about the witch's dark reputation. Elena had always been curious and had a thirst for knowledge. She refused to believe the stories and rumors that surrounded Morgana. She believed that there was more to this witch than met the eye. Determined to uncover the truth, Elena ventured into the forest and found Morgana's secluded cottage. Standing at her door, Elena took a deep breath and knocked. To her surprise, Morgana opened the door, revealing a frail old woman with kind eyes. Elena's fear melted away, replaced by curiosity and a desire to understand this enigmatic woman. As they spoke, Morgana shared her side of the story. She explained that her reputation was created by fear and ignorance. Morgana had always been different, possessing a deep connection to nature and the mystical forces that governed the world. She sought to understand and harness these powers for the greater good, but her pursuits were misconstrued as dark and sinister. Over time, Morgana had discovered that her powers were not inherently evil; it was how she chose to use them that determined their nature. She detested the idea of causing harm or bringing misfortune to others. Instead, she used her abilities to heal and protect those in need, employing her knowledge of herbs and incantations to bring about positive change. Elena listened intently, realizing that the rumors surrounding Morgana were false. The witch had become a scapegoat for the fears and insecurities of the villagers. She had been unjustly labeled as evil and dangerous, when in reality, she was a kind and wise woman with a deep understanding of the mystical world. As she left Morgana's cottage, Elena reflected on the power of perception and the danger of blind assumptions. She vowed to spread the truth about the witch with a dark reputation and help others see the beauty and goodness that lied within Morgana's heart. The story of Morgana serves as a reminder that appearances can be deceiving and that it is essential to question the narratives that society constructs. It is a cautionary tale against judging others based solely on rumors and gossip, urging us to seek the truth hidden beneath the surface..
Reviews for "Challenging the Notions of the Witch's Dark Reputation"
1. Jessica - 2/5 stars
"Account of the witch with a dark reputation was a complete disappointment. The story lacked depth and the characters were one-dimensional. I couldn't connect with any of them and found myself uninterested in their plight. The pacing was slow and dragged on unnecessarily. Overall, I found this book to be a tedious read that failed to deliver on its promising premise."
2. Ryan - 1/5 stars
"I couldn't stand Account of the witch with a dark reputation. The writing was amateurish and the plot felt forced. The dialogue was cliche and the characters were unbelievable. I couldn't find any ounce of enjoyment in this book and had to force myself to finish it. I would not recommend wasting your time on this poorly written and uninspiring story."
3. Sarah - 2/5 stars
"Account of the witch with a dark reputation had an intriguing concept, but it fell flat in execution. The storytelling was disjointed and lacked coherence. The author introduced too many subplots and failed to tie them together in a satisfying way. I also found the writing style to be cumbersome and difficult to follow. Although I appreciated the attempt at a unique story, overall, this book was disappointing and failed to deliver a compelling narrative."
4. Mark - 2.5/5 stars
"While Account of the witch with a dark reputation had some interesting moments, it ultimately failed to impress me. The characters were underdeveloped and their motivations were unclear. The world-building felt superficial, lacking the depth needed to truly immerse the reader. Additionally, the pacing was inconsistent, with some parts dragging on while others felt rushed. I was left wanting more from this story, which had the potential to be so much better."