FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: The Magnetic Theatre Mounts Its Latest Outrageous World Premiere, The Witches’ Quorum, by David Eshelman
The Magnetic Theatre, Asheville’s newest professional stage company, and the only theatre in the Southeast dedicated exclusively to new works, continues its series of world premieres with an explosive new play, The Witches’ Quorum, by David Eshelman. Eshelman calls his play “a quasi-historical spectacle, an abuse of great literature, an aspiring political tract, a comedy that ought not to be.”
Set in 1617 Jamestown, on the eve of Pocahontas’s fictitious North American tour, The Witches’ Quorum follows the struggles of Mistress Hibbins (the witch-lady from The Scarlet Letter) and Cassy (the slave-woman from Uncle Tom’s Cabin) as they attempt to flee their oppressive surroundings and arrive in the mythical land of Croatoan, where they believe they will find freedom for all witches.
The play’s director, and The Magnetic Theatre’s artistic director, Steven Samuels, cautions that The Witches’ Quorum is not for the easily offended or the faint of heart. “This play is beautifully written, utterly accessible in spite of its literary roots, incredibly inventive, and wonderfully funny,” he declares. “It traffics in adult language, overt sexual situations, lesbianism, cross-dressing, skewed views of religion, murder, and a song in French. In other words, it’s intended for mature audiences only, and those audiences should anticipate a rollicking good time. Late shows of The Witches’ Quorum should be especially engaging.”
The show features some of the best acting talents in Western North Carolina. Steph Anie and Tracey Johnston-Crum, both lauded for their performances in the hit When Jekyll Met Hyde earlier this year, star as Cassy and Mistress Hibbins, respectively. The cast is rounded out by Kathryn Temple, who earned rave reviews for her portrayal of the title role of Ruth; Lucia Del Vecchio, most recently seen in the underground sensation Rock Saber; Sara Fields, familiar from Divalicious and Noises Off!; and Scott Fisher, who plays the witch-burning Reverend Mr.
Camden, who strives ruthlessly to block Cassy & Mistress Hibbins’ escape to Croatoan. The Witches’ Quorum further establishes The Magnetic Theatre, in its home base at The Magnetic Field, as one of America’s most inventive and audacious theatrical troupes, and a groundbreaking leader in the development and production of the nation’s new plays.
The Witches’ Quorum opens June 4, after preview performances June 2-3. Tickets $12/14, previews $8. For tickets or reservations, please visit www.themagneticfield.com, call 828-668-2154, or stop by The Magnetic Field at 372 Depot Street in Asheville’s River Arts District.