An intriguing story is MYSTERY HOUSE by Wendy Weiner The extensive house situated in San Jose, California is the former home of Sarah Winchester, wife of William Winchester the firearms family who created the Winchester Rifle.
Weiners performance combines her fascination with the house, extensive knowledge about former President Abraham Lincoln and the death of her Father. All three linked out of respect to their memories and her father’s love of history on the subjects.
The large mansion is rumoured to be haunted by the spirits of those once killed by the rifle. Construction work began in 1884 as soon as Sarah moved in to help confuse the spirits to stop them from getting to her.
Weiner offers two versions into what drove Sarah to continue building additional sections to the house for 38 years. The first tells of a woman connecting daily with the spirit world to find out what they would like built next and keeping them happy.
The second is delivered through the spirit of Mrs Abraham Lincoln who knew Sarah/Sally There’s an interesting backstory to their friendship and her belief is Sarah was an architect and enjoyed creating more and more intricate designs.
The audience aren’t told which version to believe simply come to your own conclusion. Weiner delivers the evidence with confidence and fondness towards Sarah Winchester. However, which tale is likely to sell more tickets and interest tourists more!
There’s many websites, tales and a 2018 feature film starring Helen Mirren about the Winchester House and the reclusive former owner. Somewhere in all these accounts will be the truth, where that lies I could not say and will leave that up to you
For more information about this performance and the Winchester House please check out the links below.
Four Stars
Theatre, Art and Film Reviews 
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