I created Mary, a character aged around 50 who is a midwife and has lived in Salem all her life. She is
well respected in the community, but is something of a gossip. We agreed that my writing in role in the
form of her diary entry could be used as a monologue that would inform the audience of how recent
events may be seen by others in the community. She could be seated and, perhaps, be sewing or
mending something that she drops during this sequence.
How did we come to this? How could the devil possibly have entered Salem? (She carries on with her
sewing for a little while…stops, looks up thinking and then…)
It’s all because of that foolish girl, Susannah – it’s her doing! It all started with her! (She throws down
her needlework and stands – then moves away from her chair – pacing a little and clearly thinking.)
She IS a witch! She made poor Goody Turner’s baby die, she caused the cow to pass blood in her milk
and she was seen skulking around in the woods after dark gathering plants when she thought no-one
would see her! (Her voice gradually gets louder as she realises what has happened. Then, suddenly quiet
– she looks around as if expecting the devil to visit her – she drops to her knees praying quietly while the
light goes up on another part of the stage to show Susannah holding a small primitive doll and winding
something around it , rocking slightly and muttering unintelligible sounds.)
Oh God, look kindly upon Salem and give us your protection… lest we all be damned!
By juxtaposing the images of the two women – one at prayer and one clearly engaging in devilish
activities – we hoped to make clear that despite what was said in public there were some people who,
behind closed doors, had been lying about their Godliness.
From here we moved to the altar rail of the church, a public setting (during which the lighting changes –
going down in Susannah’s former position and focussing on Mary’s kneeling figure), in which Mary is
joined by Susannah, looking pious and innocent, for their blessing by the Reverend Parris. Here, the
audience can see that both women are receiving the blessing but will realise, in a piece of dramatic
irony, that the Reverend is unaware of Susannah’s secret activities.
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