How was Salem? It was a nightmare I never wanted to end.

One-Handed Witch fell on Salem, MA like a cyclone and was received with open mouths and only a couple of bite marks. Even though Salem is boiling over with witch hysteria, One-Handed Witch stood out like a bat in a petting zoo. A fan on Reddit told me the One-Handed Witch description was enough to sell tickets (A silent film with shadow puppets and live musical score) and he was right. We filled Salem’s Old Town Hall from column to column.

By the length of the first night’s applause—the longest we’ve ever experienced—I’d say One-Handed Witch had reached its pinnacle of success. The music was performed unmistakably discordant and striking as it drove the story of the One-Handed Witch from wounded creature to a dominant queen. The musical unicycle acts were crowd-shocking. And everyone I hired to help with the production was from Salem and loved witches. Can you think of a more dreamlike coven?

Friday night’s opening act was Rude Boy from The Busted Jug Band.

Opening musical unicycle act and the beginning of One-Handed Witch.

Samson Y Hiss playing melodica and lacrosse balls.

Old Town Hall hosts flee markets, but tonight it hosted a seance.

Not an empty seat, except in the very front where the music was the most shrill.

The unflappable fortune teller and electric organist, Paul Dab.

When a circus composer writes a silent film with shadow puppets.

Thank you to all the clubs who helped stage One-Handed Witch in Salem, MA: the Boston Area Guild of Puppetry, the Boston Area Goth/Industrial Facebook Group and the Boston Circus Guild (who rented me this unicycle).

Descending into a den of blood thirsty witches never felt more divine. In other words, Salem, MA was everything I dreamed it would be. From the talented opening acts and hairy sound crew to the crowd of witches that slithered into Old Town Hall like snakes. Thanks, Salem.

-Samson