The Reincarnation of Cornelius Agrippa, the debut play from Galway-born writer and actor Martin Sullivan’s Wilderland Productions, arrives at the hauntingly atmospheric St Nicholas’s Church, Galway, on November 1.
The story begins in 1519, in the town of Metz, Cornelius Agrippa achieved the impossible: he defended a woman accused of witchcraft and secured her acquittal, the only recorded instance of its kind in history.
Feared by the Church, reviled as a sorcerer, yet revered as a scholar, doctor, soldier and alchemist, Agrippa’s legacy is steeped in shadow and controversy.
Now, over 500 years later, he has returned. And this time, he must defend the condemned again.
The play, already touring Ireland since late 2024, unfolds across two gripping acts. The first reimagines Agrippa’s legendary trial, with arguments drawn directly from historical records.
The second explores the devastating consequences of his defence, both for Agrippa and those around him. Told from the present day, the story blurs past and present, with the audience themselves drawn into the mystery of why Agrippa has returned.
“St Nicholas’s is the perfect setting,” says Sullivan. “It’s medieval character, its history, and its sheer atmosphere make it a dream venue. A year on from our first performance, it feels only right to return for Halloween.”
Martin grew up in Galway and trained with Galway Youth Theatre and the University of Galway. He has also worked with the University of Bristol, attended classes at Visions Drama School in Dublin with Mary Murray, and trained with Run At It Shouting in London.
In 2015, he founded Wilderland Productions to explore storytelling with a focus on suspense and horror. The Reincarnation of Cornelius Agrippa is the company’s first play.
The Reincarnation of Cornelius Agrippa will take place at 7:30pm on Saturday, November 1 at St. Nicholas’ Church. Tickets are €20 (plus booking fee) via Eventbrite or on the door. Book here.
