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The setting is 1692 and Bridget Bishop is the individual on trial. Your journey as a part of the Puritan Jury in the Cry Innocent: the People vs. Bridget Bishop, which is Salem’s original interactive witch trial performance, starts outside of Salem, MA’s Old Town Hall. Crowds gather as the cast of characters for History Alive begin to call out for the accused Bridget Bishop. A woman in a red dress appears with a disdained look on her face and is shuffled through the crowd and into the Old Town Hall. This is where, as an audience member, the jump through time begins. The group takes their seat and is greeted by those overseeing the trial of Bridget Bishop. One point that is made clear at the beginning of the trial, is not to prove if Bishop is innocent or guilty, but rather to discover if there’s enough evidence in her case to put her on for a formal trial.
Image by Destination Salem
Towns members and neighbors are brought in front of the jury where they each describe their interactions with Bishop, and how she bewitched and tormented them. After each account the jury (the audience) is allowed to question each individual to get to the bottom of what the evidence truly is. With each accusation the audience becomes more intertwined with the narrative of the trail, and the outcome that will need to be decided upon.
Image by Destination Salem
The moment of truth comes and a verdict is reached. Bishop steps forward to address the jury and discuss the outcome. The piece of this performance that truly is unforgettable is the connection that the performers make to the real accusation and verdict that took place in June of 1692. Leaving the jury (audience) with the hard truth of what happened in history, and how just around the corner a few streets over they can view the memorial dedicated to those who lost their lives.
Image by Destination Salem
Cry Innocent isn’t the only interactive experience created by the team over at History Alive. This October, the performances of No Ghosts at the Old Town Hall and the Kids Pub, brings new life to the space with family friendly activities. No Ghosts at the Old Town Hall takes participants on an adventure through the building to find friendly but frustrated spirits looking to be set free. You may encounter some scaley spirits looking for your help to release their souls! Get ready to catch some ghosts and help free their spirits that are being held hostage. On your journey to free to spirits trapped inside you may even find yourself leaving with a sweet treat to snack on. No Ghosts at the Old Town Hall will be running at 7pm and 8:30 pm Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sunday nights in October.
Image by Destination Salem
The Kids Pub is also calling the Old Town Hall home for the season, with a brand new theatrical adventure for kids and their families. Step through the threshold of Derby Square and enter into an alcohol free 17th century tavern-like experience. Live music fills the space as you greet each character that resides inside of the tavern. Try some historical treats, plays games, and listen to stories of bygones past. Kids Pub is a fun way for the entire family to engage in local history while enjoying the Fall season in Salem, MA. The Kids’ Pub will be running Friday nights from October 6th through November 3rd. History Alive can’t wait to welcome you to the Old Town Hall this October, and tickets can be purchased at historyalive.com/current or on site at their ticket cart located out front of the Old Town Hall.
Image by Destination Salem
