There is an enduring theatrical interest in witch trials. They offer interesting characters, a strong storyline, acts of betrayal and another chapter in the ongoing dominance of men over women. Menstrual Rage Theatre found inspiration for HELLCATS on their doorstep in the The Newcastle Witch Trials that took place from 1649 to 1650 and resulted in the execution of a man and 15 women.
A company full of theatrical ingenuity
The company has created numerous fictional characters to populate their story while using as a stimulus recorded events of the period. As might be expected from a feminist company, and quite rightly, the victimisation of women is high on the agenda. Allocating blame for natural phenomena and scapegoating are popular pastimes when crop failures occur and there is a local woman well-known for making potions. It’s easy for people to forget the good her tonics might have done and turn the tables on her and by association drag her friends and family into the circle of the accused. Events in our own time are also explored within this context, reminding us that our fascination with conspiracy theories is an historical tradition rather than a modern invention.
This strong ensemble deftly deploys physicality in scenes that range from the romantic to the tragic and from the playful to the sinister. There is no shortage of comedy to lighten the misogyny of the witch-hungter's antics and whose presence in the village means that no one is safe. A neighbour with a grievance has only to whisper an entirely false suspicion in his ear to seek revenge. Accusations are easy to make; proving your innocence almost impossible and the hangman's noose centre-stage is an ever-present reminder of the consequences of being found guilty.
There's a lot of stylised and over-the-top action and the use of ever-present corn dollies could be better woven into the storyline, but this is a company full of theatrical ingenuity.
