THE VISITATION

The Wyckoff House, 2017-2018

In THE VISITATION, a tale of colonial era witchcraft unfolded within the walls of the oldest house in New York.

Photos by Carly Hoogendyk

THE VISITATION, Witness’s debut show, was staged at the historic Wyckoff House, the oldest building in the city of New York. Audiences witnessed the story of a girl claiming to be possessed by witches, and the two priests tasked with learning the truth. After a sold-out initial run in 2017, THE VISITATION returned to the same location for an encore run the next year.

“A terrifying Nathaniel Hawthorne-meets-The Exorcist tale … Every choice you make has a profound impact on the narrative you experience and how you experience it. The thrill of that experience comes when you realize the extent of your freedom as an observer.”

—Paste Magazine

  • "A terrifying Nathaniel Hawthorne-meets-The Exorcist tale. If you go see The Visitation, which you should … every choice you make has a profound impact on the narrative you experience and how you experience it. The thrill of that experience comes when you realize the extent of your freedom as an observer."
    —Paste Magazine

    "The performance is layered, dense, and rich ... Aside from the wonderfully creepy site-specific staging, the second biggest strength of The Visitation is in its excellent ensemble acting and highly polished script. An impressive debut."
    —No Proscenium

    "For three nights in early November, New York City’s oldest home was haunted by a 17th-century tale of witchcraft. ... I had an enjoyably unsettling time."
    —Hyperallergic

  • Written by Michael Bontatibus
    Directed by Drew Gregory
    Produced by Jenny Gorelick

    Stage Manager: Cati Pishal
    Assistant Stage Managers: Kate Wilson & Enzo Gattuccio
    Assistant Director: Katharine Lorraine
    Costume Design: Corina Chase
    Assistant Costume Design: Morgen Warner
    Scenic and Props: J.B. Douglas
    SFX Makeup: Rachel Temkin
    Fight Choreography: Grace Clower
    Movement Consultant: Karen Eleanor Wight

    Featuring performances by Yurié Collins, Brian Lore Evans, Ben Gougeon, Rae Haas, Daniel Harray, and Virginia Logan.