Judge Saltonstall's Salem Witch Trials Story Told On Boston Stage

SALEM, MA — A story unique to the North Shore of Massachusetts will make its way to the Boston stage later this month when "Saltonstall's Trial: The Salem Witch Trial's Untold Story" is performed at Suffolk University's Ford Hall Forum series.

Beverly playwright and director Myriam Cyr directs the staged reading that tells the story of Nathaniel Saltonstall, the judge who questioned the legitimacy of the infamous witch trials at the height of the hysteria in Salem and across the North Shore.

"He was the only judge who stood at the Salem Witch Trials in defense of the accused," Cyr told Patch. "It is a really important story of our times because thanks to him the witch trials did not become as widespread as they were intended to be."

Cyr said she is looking forward to taking an aspect of the tale that is well-told on the North Shore and performing it in Boston where a collaboration of North Shore-based and national award-winning actors will recreate the trials on stage.

"It's exciting for us," Cyr said. "It's our first time bringing this story to a different area and it's going to be very interesting to see whether this story is universal and not just local.

"This will be a great way to test that."

Haverhill writer Michale Cormier wrote the original story on which the play, which is co-adapted by Cormier and Cyr, is based.

"This work capture a critical time in our local history, as well as, American history," Cormier said. "It sheds light on the dangers of elitism, prejudice, mob rule, and the importance of truth."

Cyr said the play presents an enduring message of an America where "we are able to recover from our errors and emerge strong."

"I've always been fascinated by travesties of justice," she told Patch. "I've always been fascinated by how our history informs our present."

A talkback with author and Salem witch expert Marilynne Roach will follow the performance, which will include actors from diverse backgrounds.

"It's very exciting to have great actors meet other great actors," Cyr said.

The performance is on Oct. 27 at Suffolk's Modern Theatre at 525 Washington Street at 7 p.m.

Entrance to the performance is free, but advanced tickets are recommended as space is limited.

Those interested in attending can reserve tickets here.

(Scott Souza is a Patch field editor covering Beverly, Danvers, Marblehead, Peabody, Salem and Swampscott. He can be reached at Scott.Souza@Patch.com. Twitter: @Scott_Souza.)