Alexis Soloski: The majority of the accused and executed in Salem [for witchcraft in the 17th century] were women. It seems like the most Arthur Miller choice to center one middle-aged white dude instead.
Sarah Ruhl: It's incredible. And it's not just Arthur Miller. In Salem, the place where all the executions took place is called Proctor's Ledge. But I thought about Rebecca Nurse. Why is no one writing about the oldest woman? Why is she not the center?
AS: When did you begin to write this play?
SR: I started after tRump was elected and people were still chanting, "Lock her up," which really upset me. I felt their hatred for this woman. It felt very personal, very visceral. It felt like Salem to me.
--Sarah Ruhl is a playwright and the author of the new play Becky Nurse of Salem. Rebecca Nurse was hanged for witchcraft in 1692 at the age of 71. Interview by Alexis Soloski in "Of Course They Believe in Magic," New York Times, November 13, 2022.