One of the many inspirations for “The Weyward Sisters” was the family history of playwright L.L. West. He is the descendent of Bridget Bishop, the first person executed as a result of the Salem Witch Trials. Bridget was a spiritualist and healer who was accused of practicing witchcraft and hung on June 10, 1692. L.L. West also cites his love of theatre tradition and superstition, in particular the superstitions around Shakespeare’s “Macbeth” which is thought to be cursed. Actors avoid saying the name of the play while in the theatre, instead refering to it as “The Scottish Play.” Actors also avoid quoting lines from the play before performances, in particular the witches incantations.
