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Manila Bulletin devider Lifestyle devider Arts and Culture devider Beware the witch hunt

Beware the witch hunt

Why the horrors of the Salem witch trials should not be forgotten

Published Jan 13, 2024 06:35 pm

At A Glance

  • He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him! —- Arthur Miller, <i>The Crucible</i>
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ARE YOU A WITCH? T.H Matteson’s Examination of a Witch depicts a woman accused of witchcraft being shamelessly stripped and searched for marks of the devil during a witch trial

In the early days of colonial Massachusetts, the small town of Salem found itself falling under the dangers of religious extremism.

Throughout the year 1692, a total of 200 people were accused of using witchcraft leading to the unjust execution of 20 people. During these times, conservative Christians thought the devil could grant humans powers to harm others in return for their loyalty. Although Salem stands out as the go-to witch hunt tale, it’s estimated that thousands of accused witches, mostly women, were unjustly executed.

Going back to Salem, the town was the result of refugees being sent to early America after the English monarchy declared war on France over its American colonies. This took a toll on the town’s resources, causing tensions to go high among its citizens. It would reach an all-time high after Salem Village’s first ordained minister Reverend Samuel Parris’ daughter and niece, Betty and Abigail started behaving strangely, experiencing convulsions and speaking unintelligible words. They would place the blame on three women: Sarah Good, a homeless beggar; Sarah Osborne, an elderly woman; and Tituba, a slave owned by Parris. This marked the start of the infamous Salem witch trials.

Following the three, several others would accuse their neighbors of witchcraft. It was a fit of mass hysteria, as doing anything deemed unfit by the Puritans could land anyone on trial. It’s speculated that many of the accusations being thrown out were a result of families trying to take out rivals. Overall, an ugly time that best belongs in the past.

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A POWERFUL PERFORMANCE Brendan Cowell takes on the role of John Proctor, a man riddled with guilt for having an affair

Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, sheds light on these dark times. A run by renowned West End director Lyndsey Turner is set to screen at Ayala Malls Cinemas Greenbelt 3, Cinema 1 as part of the Cultural Center of the Philippines’ National Theater Live initiative. Don’t miss out on the captivating performances by the London National Theatre!

“This 2024, we continue to bring new and exciting artistic and cultural experiences to all Filipino people from both local and international theater shows. Through the CCP NTL and other CCP programs, we hope to encourage art appreciation and participation through live theater,” said CCP president Michelle Nikki Junia.

Culturalcenter.gov.ph

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