Description
”If I should be missing, inquire of the Rev. Mr. Avery, of Bristol.”
Bad Character: The Death of Sarah Maria Cornell is a theatrical historical interpretation of the 1833 trial of Reverend Ephraim Avery for the murder of mill worker Sarah Maria Cornell. Commissioned and produced by the BH&PS and written and directed by Leigh Medeiros, the script draws from the real transcripts from Avery’s trial and captures the sensational nature of the trial and the public interest it generated. Restoring Sarah Maria’s voice to the conversation, this narrative touches on issues of sexual violence, murder, suicide, and abortion that remain timely 194 years later. The show will run approx. 70 minutes.
If you are interested in learning more about the history behind the story, visit the jail portion of the BHPS, where, for a short time, Ephraim Avery was kept.
Content Warning: This performance contains discussions of sexual assault, murder, suicide, and abortion. Participants are encouraged to practice self care as they engage with the material.
Date & Time
Nov 13 - 15, 2026
Venue Details
Bristol Statehouse
240 High StreetBristol, Rhode Island 02809
