FALL RIVER — If you think you know whether Lizzie Borden took an ax to her parents 117 years ago, here’s your chance to put the spinster behind bars or set her free once more. Lizzie will be tried again in “Lizzie, Redux,” a mock retrial, on Thursday at 7 p.m. at Fall River Superior Court, 441 N. Main St. The retrial is part of the Massachusetts Superior Court’s 150th anniversary. Lizzie was acquitted of murdering her father and step-mother, Andrew and Abby Borden, on June 20, 1893, at New Bedford Superior Court. The wealthy couple was hacked to death with a hatchet on Aug. 4, 1892, in their home at 92 Second St. Lizzie was the only suspect in the still-unsolved case. “Lizzie, Redux” was held recently at New Bedford Superior Court, and the audience acting as her jury voted her “not guilty” as the original 12-man jury did in that very courtroom. “It was surreal,” said Stefani Koorey, a Borden expert and publisher of “The Hatchet: Journal of Lizzie Borden Studies.” “It was very well done, I must say,” Koorey said. The audience on Thursday will each receive a verdict slip. They will listen to actual attorneys defend and prosecute Lizzie. There will be testimony and closing arguments. Then they will vote and learn Lizzie’s fate. Judge Frances A McIntyre, of the Massachusetts Superior Court, said when she saw Lizzie, played by Lucy Bly, walk into the courtroom, her “heart jumped. It looked like every picture you’ve ever seen.” Fall River attorneys Aaron T. Strojny, Steven P. Sabra, Judith A. Borges and Frank D. Camara, will defend and prosecute. The redux will be directed by thespian and veteran Assistant District Attorney Raymond P. Veary Jr. Witnesses, in full Victorian costume, who will testify are: the Borden maid, Bridget “Maggie” Sullivan (Shannon Farrell), medical examiner Dr. William Dolan (Eric Paradis), Lizzie’s sister Emma Borden (Elizabeth Rapoza), and Lizzie (Lucy Bly). “They looked and acted the part,” Koorey said. Lizzie did not testify at her trial. The thought was that she might not help her case. In the mock retrial, it is necessary to hear Lizzie speak. She tells about her inquest testimony, mainly to give the “jurors” a feel for the case and to bring them up to speed. “In 1893, (the jurors) saw her for 13 days,” Koorey said. “We only see her for an hour and a half.” McIntyre said the re-trial is not scripted. Each actor learned about who they would portray. The attorneys, in doing what they do every day, ask questions of the witnesses who reply based on their character and historical facts. “We didn’t have any interest in recreating (the trial),” McIntyre said. “This is an improvisational theatrical piece.” Koorey said: “It was very entertaining.” Judges McIntyre, along with Robert Kane and John Connors, will take the bench. It was customary in years past that three judges presided, as was the case when Lizzie was tried. “Lizzie, Redux” is free and open to the public, but seating is limited. Those interested in attending should mail a self-addressed stamped envelope to “Lizzie, Redux Request” today in care of Clerk Magistrate Marc J. Santos, Bristol County Clerk of Courts, 441 N. Main St., Fall River, MA 02720. Tickets will be honored until 20 minutes before the performance, after which there will be a general admission until capacity is reached. The courthouse will be open for tours at 6 p.m. The production will be repeated at Taunton Superior Court on Thursday, Nov. 19, at 7 p.m. Tickets to that performance are also available. Send a self-addressed stamped envelope to “Lizzie, Redux Request” in care of Clerk Magistrate Marc J. Santos, Bristol County Clerk of Courts, 9 Court St., Taunton, MA 02780. Written By Deborah Allard Herald News Staff Reporter Posted Oct 16, 2009 @ 08:54 PM

(2006 text) Elizabeth Rapoza is a playwright, performer and theater educator. Her play The Amazing Adventures of Pajamazon was a winner in Mae West Fest of Seattle’s search for the “Ultimate Female Protagonist”. She won Boston Public School’s Short Play Development Award in 2006. Her plays have appeared in a variety of venues including SlamBoston. Ms. Rapoza has taught theater courses to children, teens and adults for over twenty years. She is currently a faculty member at Cape Cod Community College.