Graphic courtesy of History Alive, Inc. and The Salem Inn.
“For years, the Salem Inn has heard reports of spiritual activity in and around their properties. While none of it implies malintent, both the Inn’s employees and guests are convinced that something–or someone– is trying desperately to communicate. Among these witnesses is local historian Louisa Rogers, who has experienced the most spiritual activity of all in her residence at the Salem Inn. In the hopes of establishing a connection between these happenings and Salem’s past, the Salem Inn has called upon Rogers, Cora Sprague-Fox (a local medium), and you to get to the bottom of it.”
Last week, Jacques and I were invited to attend the first performance of History Alive, Inc. and The Salem Inn’s brand new production Art and Craft by the talented playwright herself, Macey Jennings. We originally met Jennings when she played Anne Bradstreet in From the Author to my Husband, a play written by History Alive, Inc.’s president and creative director, Kristina Stevick, about the life and writings of Anne Bradstreet, America’s first published poet. Stevick also produced the concept for Art and Craft and wrote the first draft of the script before passing the project’s development to Jennings. We were so excited when Jennings reached out to us about Art and Craft, and it was wonderful to see her creativity at work again!
A common theme of History Alive, Inc.’s productions is giving voices to those who were silenced throughout New England’s history. Their most famous and longest running show, Cry Innocent: the People vs. Bridget Bishop sheds light on the true story of the Salem Witch Trials and gives voices back to its victims, and another upcoming production, This is not a Bill, explores Salem’s role in the Underground Railroad.
Art and Craft sheds light on some of Salem’s most talented 19th century female artists whose voices and art were not recognized as much as they should have been.
The first part of the show is presented like a historical lecture given by historian Louisa Rogers and spiritual medium Cora Sprague-Fox. Louisa teaches the audience about figures like Sophia Peabody Hawthorne, Louisa Lander, and Elizabeth Derby West, while Cora talks about the history of spiritualism in the United States. The second part of the show surrounds a seance, in which many ghostly apparitions reveal themselves.
The show is set against the backdrop of The Salem Inn, which adds such a sense of realism and place. Art and Craft combines reality and fantasy in an exciting and creative new production that is suitable for all ages. Unfortunately, the final date to see Art and Craft with your own eyes is Saturday February 29th, but if you can’t make it, be sure to check out some of History Alive, Inc.’s other spectacular productions!
