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Guide pédagogique disponible fin décembre 2009
A playwright's
invitation
When I first started
researching modern equivalences to the Salem Witch Trials in 1692, I
was quickly tempted to
relating it all to recent
historical events,
such as the Holocaust,
the Bantu
tribes
witch hunts
of
Southern Africa, and
even the persecution and incarceration of protesting
monks
in Burma. However,
in my research I discovered the compelling testimonials of
individual men and women who suffered unjust trials based on simple
lies and religious fanaticism and understood that
"this
play"
I would write and direct,
would be about the
"individual."...
Sometimes,
victims as young as
four
year-old
children
would be put to death based on the manipulative and outrageous
accusations made by equally young and accusing teen-age
girls.
In Verdict of Sorcery, I explore,
with lots of humor and simplicity,
how these young characters experience the day to day meaning of
belonging and existing in a rude and oppressing environment at
times, be it in 1692 or today. How far can a lie go,
and how deep does it affect an individual? In Salem, these communal
rumours led to mass hysteria and the deaths of many innocent. Today,
with the support of modern technology and the broadcasting abilities
our generation enjoys, lying, harassing and harming each other has
become globally accepted and widely practiced. Aren't we setting
then the stage for the witch hunts of tomorrow?
I
would like to take this opportunity to
invite
you and your students to join us at the theater to live, question,
enjoy and share this beautiful,
exciting and creative
adventure with me and the entire Drama Ties team on its
10th anniversary celebration year.
Thank You
Carla Tomé
Co-writer and Director |
