The phenomenon of play at the witch trials is a fascinating aspect of history that sheds light on the human condition and societal attitudes towards witchcraft. During the witch trials of the 16th and 17th centuries, accusations of witchcraft were rampant, resulting in numerous trials and executions. However, amidst the seriousness and fear that surrounded these events, there were instances of play that took place. Play at the witch trials often involved the accused and the accusers engaging in theatrical performances. These performances served various purposes, such as entertainment, manipulation, and even resistance against the oppressive systems at play. For example, accused witches would sometimes put on a show during their trials, claiming to be possessed by evil spirits and performing acts of witchcraft.
From the weirdo mind of actor, writer, and producer Emily Hampshire (SCHITT'S CREEK, CHAPELWAITE, 12 MONKEYS), AMELIA Basic Witch follows the least-favorite daughter of L.A.’s most famous family of witches, the Aierwoods. Amelia’s sisters have all followed in the footsteps of their prominent parents but everything Amelia does is just a little… off-brand. A late bloomer who has yet to find her calling, Amelia uses her powers for mostly mundane problems but even those lead to magical misfires. As her family's fame continues to rise, they have no choice but to exclude their bumbling black-sheep daughter from the next great chapter of the Aierwoods - reality TV! With the help of her adopted brother Spaghetti - who she accidentally turned into a yeti… long story - Amelia must carve her own path outside of her family’s influence.
From the weirdo mind of actor, writer, and producer Emily Hampshire SCHITT S CREEK, CHAPELWAITE, 12 MONKEYS , AMELIA AIERWOOD Basic Witch follows the least-favorite daughter of L. -Sam Damshenas Entertainment Editor, Gay Times Infectious, funny, and heartwarming, Basic Witch offers a fresh take on family dynamics, magic, and the universal pursuit of figuring yourself out.
For example, accused witches would sometimes put on a show during their trials, claiming to be possessed by evil spirits and performing acts of witchcraft. In doing so, they not only entertained the spectators but also manipulated the court into believing their claims of supernatural abilities. On the other hand, the accusers themselves would sometimes engage in play to validate their accusations.
Amelia Aierwood - Basic Witch
Inspired by Emily Hampshire's real life and friends.
Read Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch and root for her as she finds her own magic."
-Amy Poehler (Actress, Producer, Writer)
From the weirdo mind of actor, writer, and producer Emily Hampshire (SCHITT'S CREEK, CHAPELWAITE, 12 MONKEYS), AMELIA AIERWOOD: Basic Witch follows the least-favorite daughter of L.A.'s most famous family of witches, the Aierwoods. Amelia's sisters have all followed in the footsteps of their prominent parents but everything Amelia does is just a little. off-brand. A late bloomer who has yet to find her calling, Amelia uses her powers for mostly mundane problems but even those lead to magical misfires. As her family's fame continues to rise, they have no choice but to exclude their bumbling black-sheep daughter from the next great chapter of the Aierwoods - reality TV! With the help of her adopted brother Spaghetti - who she accidentally turned into a yeti. long story - Amelia must carve her own path outside of her family's influence.
"Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch is not only the wittiest, but the most brightly colored analysis of celebrity culture I have ever read. Amelia is an endearing and resourceful heroine, and I found the fart scene particularly pungent. Brava, Emily Hampshire!"
-Alison Bechdel (Author, Fun home)
"Basic Witch is a deliriously fun tale filled with chaotic and surprising characters. Emily Hampshire has cast quite a spell with this wacky and warm, passionately bent tale about music, belonging, sandwitches, and the unforgettable world of Amelia Aierwood-an endlessly entertaining young witch with a touch of sadness in her eyes. Bravo Emily!"
-Cameron Crowe (Writer-Director)
"The 'Basic Witch' at the center of Emily Hampshire's debut graphic novel is anything but basic. The misfit of her famous family, I couldn't help but think that Schitt's Creek's Stevie Budd and Amelia share some DNA: both characters go on a journey to discover that everything they thought was their problem. is actually their superpower.
The story is told with equal parts heart and humor and is ultimately deeply affecting because it's about us. All of us who've ever felt like we didn't fit in and needed to change ourselves to measure up. Amelia Aierwood: Basic Witch shows us that being your authentic self is the most powerful magic of all."
-Jim Kwik (New York Times Best-Selling Author, Limitless)
"Smart, anxious, and hilariously relatable, Amelia Aierwood and her misadventures are a fun blast of heartfelt magic for every kid (or adult) who has ever felt like they didn't belong."
-Jonathan Gropper (New York Times Best-Selling Author, This Is Where I Leave You)
"Sabrina-meets-The Kardashians in Emily Hampshire's triumphant foray into comics. A wonderfully subversive take on the witch genre-and a masterclass in world building -the story of Amelia and the instantly iconic Aierwood clan carries the same message of love and inclusivity that made Schitt's Creek one of the most groundbreaking comedies of the 21st century.
Honestly, I can't remember life before Spaghetti the Yeti--and I don't want to."
-Sam Damshenas (Entertainment Editor, Gay Times)
"Infectious, funny, and heartwarming, Basic Witch offers a fresh take on family dynamics, magic, and the universal pursuit of figuring yourself out.
We volunteer to be honorary members of the Aierwood Family. Adopt us, Amelia!"
-Tegan and Sara (Musicians)
DELUXE EDITION (OVERSIZED HARDCOVER, LIMITED EDITION OF ONLY 2,000 COPIES) INCLUDES:
They would act as if they were under the influence of witchcraft, exhibiting strange behavior and claiming to be victims of spells. By doing so, they not only gained sympathy and support but also reinforced the prevailing belief in the reality of witchcraft. Play, in this context, became a tool for both the accused and accusers to assert their innocence or guilt, appeal to emotions, and manipulate the perceptions of the court and the public. Furthermore, the play at the witch trials also revealed the underlying tensions and power dynamics in society. The witch trials were often fueled by societal fears and anxieties, such as the fear of women's power, religious fanaticism, and the desire to maintain social order. Play, therefore, became a means of resistance against these oppressive systems. By utilizing their creativity and theatrical skills, the accused and accusers questioned and subverted the authority of the court, exposing the absurdity and injustice of the witch trials. In conclusion, play at the witch trials was a complex and multi-faceted phenomenon that served various purposes. It provided entertainment, manipulated perceptions, and acted as a form of resistance against oppressive systems. The use of play revealed the underlying tensions and power dynamics in society and shed light on the human condition during this dark period in history..
Reviews for "The Playful Side of Persecution: Investigating Children's Games during Witch Trials"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was excited to listen to "Play at the witch trials" as I had heard great things about The Fall. However, I was left disappointed. The album lacked cohesiveness and felt disjointed. The songs sounded like unfinished ideas rather than fully formed tracks. Additionally, the vocals were often hard to understand and the overall production quality was poor. Overall, "Play at the witch trials" failed to live up to the hype for me.
2. Ryan - 3 stars - While I appreciate the experimental nature of The Fall's "Play at the witch trials", I found it to be too chaotic and not in a good way. The songs lacked structure and it was difficult to follow along or find any memorable moments. The album felt like a jumbled mess of noise rather than a cohesive piece of music. I understand that this may be the appeal for some listeners, but it just didn't work for me.
3. Sarah - 1 star - I had high hopes for "Play at the witch trials" based on its reputation in the post-punk scene, but I was deeply disappointed. The music was a cacophony of dissonant sounds that grated on my ears. I couldn't make out any discernible melodies or hooks. It sounded like random noise pretending to be art. The vocals were also unintelligible, adding to the overall frustration of trying to listen to this album. I couldn't wait for it to be over.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Play at the witch trials" was a challenging listen, and not in a good way. The songs felt repetitive and lacked depth. While I appreciate the raw energy and unconventional approach, it just didn't resonate with me. The album felt like a forgettable collection of tracks that tried too hard to be different without actually delivering anything interesting or memorable. I couldn't find anything to latch onto or connect with, which ultimately left me feeling unsatisfied as a listener.