Cry Innocent: The People vs. Bridget Bishop

Cry Innocent: the life of Bridget Bishop

You are there: before a jury of Puritan leaders charged with the crime of witchcraft. Asserting your innocence simply will not free you. After all, witchcraft is a major transgression in New England in the late 1600's.

Bridget Bishop was to be the first to hang in Salem, 1692. Guests can see a dramatization of the proceedings at the Old Town Hall. The People vs. Bridget Bishop delivers the fate of this woman's guilt into your hands.

Bishop, born sometime in the 1630's (the exact date is unknown) and died July 10, 1692. This innocent, as well as the others who were executed in the mass hysteria are today celebrated in the town of Salem. Bishop walked through the crowd to her trial and pleaded: I am "innocent as the child born." Brought before the Puritans magistrate and charged with witchcraft because of her flamboyant lifestyle she was imprisoned. The date was April 18, 1692 and the witch-hunt is just about to begin.

What were these charges brought against Ms Bridget Bishop?

First, she was outspoken and in Puritan Massachusetts this offense caused great concern among many colonist's leader. Her dress and argumentative ways further added to this. Bishop, on her third marriage at the time of the indictment also owned two taverns in town. Rumors had it she entertained male guests into the night playing blacklisted games such as shuffleboard. In the conclusion Bishop was, in reputation and personality the polar opposite of Rebecca Nurse-a pious and church attending woman.

As we witness this live performance of the hysteria of 1692 no one is safe from being charged with witchcraft. You or I might find ourselves standing before a jury and defending ourselves against the false claim of sorcery. But today... you get to decide the fate of Bridget Bishop: accused witch. Play your part in this historical drama given at the Old Town Hall, Salem MA. Shows last approximately 45 minutes and are given several times daily.

Note: while attending a performance a few years ago the people found Bridget Bishop not guilty of all crimes brought against her. More than 300 years after her execution Bishop finally is exonerated of the crimes brought against her. Salem, MA in 1690 was embattled in strict religious persecution. The Puritans leaders imprisoned countless men, women and children during this period. Twenty of them stood firm in their conviction knowing the truth.