The Salem witch trials were a series of hearings and prosecutions of people accused of witchcraft in colonial Massachusetts between February 1692 and May 1693. One of the prominent figures involved in these infamous trials was Bishop Samuel Parris. Parris was the minister of the Salem Village church and played a significant role in the events that unfolded during the witch trials. He was a controversial figure who contributed to the hysteria and paranoia that gripped the community at that time. It all began when Parris's daughter, Betty, and niece, Abigail Williams, started exhibiting strange behavior, including fits, screaming, and hallucinations. In search of an explanation, Parris, along with other villagers, turned to witchcraft as a possible cause.

Salem witch trials bishop

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]

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.

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    Edward Bishop and Sarah Bishop

    Jone Johnson Lewis is a women's history writer who has been involved with the women's movement since the late 1960s. She is a former faculty member of the Humanist Institute.

    Updated on February 06, 2019

    Edward Bishop and Sarah Bishop were tavern keepers that were arrested, examined, and imprisoned as part of the Salem witch trials of 1692. At the time, Edward was about 44 years old and Sarah Wildes Bishop was about 41 years old. There were three or four Edward Bishops living in the area at that time. This Edward Bishop seems to be the one who was born on April 23, 1648. However, Sarah Bishop's year of birth is not known.

    Note: Bishop is sometimes spelled Bushop or Besop in the records. Edward is sometimes identified as Edward Bishop Jr.

    Sarah Wildes Bishop was the stepdaughter of Sarah Averill Wildes who was named as a witch by Deliverance Hobbs and executed on July 19, 1692.

    Bridget Bishop is usually credited with running a tavern that was something of a town scandal, but it was more likely Sarah and Edward Bishop who ran it out of their home.

    In search of an explanation, Parris, along with other villagers, turned to witchcraft as a possible cause. Parris believed that his own household was under attack by witches. Parris actively participated in the court proceedings, accusing innocent individuals of witchcraft and testifying against them.

    The Background of Edward and Sarah

    Edward Bishop may have been the son of Edward Bishop, the husband of Bridget Bishop. Sarah and Edward Bishop were the parents of twelve children. At the time of the Salem witch trials, an older Edward Bishop also lived in Salem. He and his wife Hannah signed a petition protesting the accusations against Rebecca Nurse. This Edward Bishop seems to have been the father of the Edward Bishop married to Bridget Bishop, and thus the grandfather of the Edward Bishop married to Sarah Wildes Bishop.

    

    His sermons also fueled the fears and suspicions of the villagers, as he preached about the dangers of witchcraft and the devil's influence. Parris was known for his strict and authoritarian style of preaching, which further added to the hysteria. The trials resulted in the execution of twenty people, including several women, and the imprisonment of many others. Parris's role in the trials can be seen as both a catalyst and a perpetuator of the hysteria. His influence over the court, along with his religious authority, contributed to the widespread belief in witchcraft and the subsequent persecution of alleged witches. However, Parris's involvement in the trials was not without controversy. Many of his actions were criticized, and he was eventually dismissed from his position as the minister of the Salem Village church. The trials eventually ended, and the community began to question the legitimacy and fairness of the court proceedings. The Salem witch trials remains a dark period in American history, characterized by mass hysteria, prejudice, and the persecution of innocent individuals. Bishop Samuel Parris's role in the trials highlights the dangers of ignorance, fear, and the abuse of power in society. The events of the trials serve as a reminder of the importance of justice, fairness, and critical thinking..

    Reviews for "Questioning Bishop Parris' Motives: An In-Depth Analysis"

    1. Amy - 1 star: I found "Salem witch trials bishop" to be extremely disappointing. The storyline was unclear and the characters were poorly developed. I struggled to connect with any of them, which made it difficult to stay engaged in the story. Additionally, the writing style was choppy and inconsistent, which made it even harder to follow along. Overall, I would not recommend this book to anyone.

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    3. Sarah - 1 star: I found "Salem witch trials bishop" to be a complete waste of time. The writing was amateurish, with simplistic language and poorly constructed sentences. It felt like a high school history project rather than a well-researched and engaging novel. The characters were flat and uninteresting, and the plot lacked any sort of suspense or intrigue. Even as a fan of historical fiction, I struggled to finish this book. I would highly advise against picking it up if you're looking for an immersive and well-written novel about the Salem witch trials.

    The Religious Divide: Bishop Parris' Influence in the Trials