The Last Witch
14 Aug 2009 -
Dornoch, northern Scotland, 1727. In the claustrophobic heat of summer, a woman’s apparent ability to manipulate the power of land and sea stirs suspicion. Janet Horne can cure beasts, call the wind and charm fish out of the sea. Or can she? Refusing to deny claims of sorcery, she incenses the community.The Last Witch is based on the historical account of Janet Horne, the last woman to be executed for witchcraft in Scotland. Accused by friends and neighbours of making a pact with the devil, she was sentenced to death by burning.Commissioned by the Edinburgh International Festival from Scottish playwright Rona Munro.The Last Witch had two previews at the Citizens Theatre before transferring to Edinburgh.