History Alive, Inc.

History Alive, Inc. is committed to the production of new plays and theatrical scenarios based on true stories from the past. Emphasis is given to interactive theatre so that actors and audience together, through a playful and dynamic way of engaging with history, might broaden their understanding of the present and gain a fresh sense of purpose within their own era. The company also seeks to invigorate the local economy by designing activities which connect the community and its visitors to a distinct, local history. Come play your part with us!
Some examples from our repertoire: 
Goodnight, Captain White
A comedy-whodunit about the 1830 offing of Cpt. Joseph White, who lived —and was murdered–in his mansion on Essex Street in Salem. Guided by “Senator Daniel Webster”, famous prosecutor of the case in real life, the audience plays the “committee of diligence”, looking for clues and suspicious behavior as guests of  a sordid soiree. Quick,  physical and delightfully full of modern references.
Spiritways: A Night in Besieged Salem VillageOMING in 2013:

An unnerving nighttime immersion into the world of the infamous “afflicted girls” at America’s first living history museum, Pioneer Village. Spritways travelled around the three acre Puritan village by candle and bonfire light using 17th c. poetry, narrative, chanting, found text and folklore to create a psychological experience something like the midnight terrors of a 17th century adolescent conscience.

Witch | Hunter

It’s 1692. In the woods and dark interiors of Pioneer Village. “The Devil hath been raised amongst us”. Would you join the witch-hunt to protect yourself? “Witch | Hunters” gathered clues from the poetry and ritual of an herbalist, a minister, an afflicted girl with spectral sight and a witch-finder general. In order to exit the damnation of the village, the hunters had to gather each of the four elements—earth, air, fire and water. If able to restore the balance which had been upset by the devil’s intrusion into Salem they might be allowed an escape.

From the Author to My Dear and Loving Husband

A play to celebrate the 400th birthday of America’s first published poet, Anne Bradstreet.

In 1630, eighteen-year-old Anne Bradstreet was heartsick about exchanging her genteel English life for the perils of New England. In the years to follow, Anne would surmount an abundance of hardships to become America’s first published poet. How did this physically challenged mother of eight find the time and inspiration to write her popular collection of poems known as The Tenth Muse, Lately Sprung Up in America? “From the Author to My Dear and Loving Husband” makes a guess by way of four Annes at different stages of her life.

History Alive, Inc. selectively collaborates with other companies of similar missions.  Some examples of past projects include:

The Spirit of Salem

Salem is known world over for the tragedy of 1692. But Salem is rich with other stories, innovations, adventures. The Spirit of Salem gets at the heart of what makes Salem the artistic and entrepreneurial place it is. If you look around the city today and see a cultural and community life you admire, the film will introduce you to the characters who helped instill those values into the city, spirits who still walk our streets, if you have the eyes to see them! A collaboration with CinemaSalem.

http://cinemasalem.com/movies/the-spirit-of-salem

The True 1692

An intimate 3-D film, which immerses the audience in the dangerous realities of life in Salem Village at the end of the 17th Century and dramatically reveals the odd coincidence of forces, external and internal, which set in motion the tragedy of the witch trials. The True 1692 was conceptualized by and co-produced with CinemaSalem.

At Salem’s Old Town Hall, 32 Derby Square, Salem, MA. An unforgettable evening of dance and Christmas merriment from the Era of Dickens. A collaboration with the Commonwealth Vintage Dancers.

Arbella 375th

Onboard the Kalmar Nyckel. A sunset sail around Salem Harbor accompanied by madrigals and the writings of Anne Bradstreet, John Winthrop and Thomas Dudley. A collaboration with Salem Preservation, Inc.

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