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Witches, Opioids, Misogyny, and a Dash of Feminism: Sarah Ruhl Concocts a Comedy

As with many of her plays, ‘Becky Nurse of Salem’ ponders the odd twists and outsize emotions that shape everyday life with both probing intelligence and whimsy.

Kyle Froman
Deirdre O'Connell and Candy Buckley in ‘Becky Nurse of Salem.’ Kyle Froman
ELYSA GARDNER
ELYSA GARDNER

How could one possibly reflect on both the Salem witch trials and our ongoing opioid crisis and end up with a comedy that’s ultimately as heartwarming as it is wacky?

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ELYSA GARDNER
ELYSA GARDNER

Ms. Gardner has written about theater and music for The New York Times, The Village Voice, Town and Country, Time Out New York, Entertainment Weekly and other publications. She is a board member of the Drama Desk and has served on the jury for the Pulitzer Prize for drama twice, most recently as chair.

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