"Modern Witches:" Witchcraft in the Theater

Journal NINE 

    Since the age of six, I spent my childhood immersed in the performing arts, taking dance classes, working with voice coaches, and performing in musicals and plays. In fact, most people don't know that I came to TCU as a Theatre and Marketing double major. Unfortunately, after my freshman year I had to make the difficult decision to drop my Theatre major in order to pursue a certificate in leadership. However, my passion for the performing arts has remained steadfast, and I accredit my 12 years of theater experience to shaping the person I am today. Therefore, it feels fitting that my final blog post should cover witchcraft in the theater.

The 2024 Edinburgh Festival Fringe

    The Edinburgh Festival Fringe is the world's largest arts festival held annually in Scotland, originally started in1947. The Fringe has since grown into a hub of creativity, showcasing thousands of diverse performances by artists, musicians, comedians, and theater groups from around the globe. It is renowned for its ability to showcase emerging talent (https://www.edfringe.com/). Now, two highly acclaimed Fringe productions, including the play "Modern Witches," have made their way to the off-Broadway stage in New York City.

"Modern Witches" Poster at the Fringe

    "Modern Witches" by Tres Brujas Productions first premiered at the 2024 Edinburgh Fringe in Scotland, where it gained critical acclaim for its powerful exploration of contemporary witchcraft. Now, this electrifying production has made the journey across the pond, offering New York theater-goers a chance to experience it (https://tresbrujasproductions.com/modern-witches).

    According to the FringeReview by Erin Murray Quinlan, the one-woman show follows the story of actress Kate, who is distracted from recording an audition tape as Virginia Woolf by "scrolling witch TikTok, avoiding her fiancé, reminiscing about Viking orgy parties, and even summoning the spirit of Woolf herself." Through Kate's journey, the play tackles themes of mental illness, societal pressures on women, and the reclaiming of female power - all woven together with a touch of the mystical. The review praises the "magical aura" of the production, with the performance space at the Ivy at Greenside smelling "lightly of incense" and audience members being greeted with candles as they enter. 

Actress and Playwright Kate Kopajtic

    Actress and playwright Kate Kopajtic's portrayal of Kate is described as "a natural and compelling host.” Her powerful performance is a testament to the play's ability to captivate audiences and shed light on the enduring strength and resilience of women (http://fringereview.co.uk/review/edinburgh-fringe/2023/modern-witches/).

    With its critical success at the Edinburgh Fringe and now its off-Broadway debut, "Modern Witches'' promises to be a must-see theatrical experience. “Modern Witches” will start its limited engagement at The Players Theatre on May 2nd at 7:30PM with performances on Thursday through Saturday at 7:30PM and Sundays at 3PM until May 19th (https://www.broadwayworld.com/off-broadway/article/Edinburgh-Fringe-Hits-MODERN-WITCHES-and-BRAIN-HEMINGWAY-Arrive-Off-Broadway-20240409).