All too often the media scrutinises, ridicules and judges people based on fleeting moments in their lives.

For most victims of such attention, the media storm passes and public interest moves to the next ‘big thing’.

But what if the consequences were more serious?

Wind back the clock a few hundred years, and a tale of heavy opprobrium is played out in the Hertfordshire village of Walkern, where local herbalist Jane Wenham is unjustly condemned of witchcraft and sentenced to death.

At a time when women were frequently accused of sorcery as a means of explaining tragic events, such as natural disasters, death and illness, Jane was subject of one of the last witch trials in the United Kingdom.

More than 300 years later her story is set to be told through a new play, Jane Wenham: The Witch of Walkern, by Oscar and BAFTA Award-winning writer Rebecca Lenkiewicz.

“She’s quite an outsider, she’s quite isolated and because of that she’s under scrutiny from society,” explains Rebecca during our interview ahead of show’s premiere at the Watford Palace Theatre next week.

Set in 1712, the year of Jane’s trial and sentencing, The Witch of Walkern depicts a village plunged into turmoil over the debate of her guilt and explores the prejudice of villagers persecuting her for alleged crimes including causing the deaths of children and livestock through black magic.

“I think she was absolutely innocent and very much wronged,” states Rebecca emphatically.

“I think the witch hunts are very indicative of an attitude towards women – keeping women down.

“It was interesting why so many people who were accused of witchery were women, why was that the case?

“I’m very interested in the history of feminism and the history of oppression towards women. I suppose that’s what struck me about the witch hunts.”

Feminism and the struggles of women permeates Rebecca’s work. Her previous pieces include suffragette study Her Naked Skin, the first original, full-length play by a female writer to be put on at the Olivier Theatre in London. And earlier this year she won an Academy Award and BAFTA for Ida, a film she co-wrote with director Pawe? Pawlikowski about a young, Polish nun who discovers a family secret dating back to the period of Nazi occupation.

When I ask her what fascinates her about feminism, she briefly pauses - seemingly taken aback by why I would need to ask the question.

“Because I’m a woman,” she states. “I’m a woman living in a very patriarchal world. As long as FGM [female genital mutilation] exists, as long as domestic violence exists there is a reason to rally and shout for equality. There’s a lot of injustice toward women.”

But in her new play Rebecca also explores the theme of religion, in particular through the character of Samuel Crane, a zealous priest who unfalteringly believes in witches.

Although the play is set after the period of intense witch hunting in the 17th Century, belief in witchcraft was still prevalent in society with many believing a witch was someone who had made a pact with the devil to do his bidding.

“Religion is interesting to me - anyone who has an extreme faith,” explains actress-turned-playwright Rebecca. “Crane, he’s probably the most extreme character in terms of channelling his faith. I find that very interesting. I wasn’t brought up with religion so I find it fascinating.”

Directed by Ria Parry, the Witch of Walkern is co-produced with Out of Joint theatre company, Watford Palace Theatre and Hackney-based Arcola Theatre. It will go on tour around the UK after its run in Watford, finishing at London’s Arcola Theatre in January 2016.

Rebecca came to write the piece after she was approached by Out of Joint’s Max Stafford Clark, who was interested in the subject.

Despite only vaguely knowing the story of Jane Wenham, Rebecca says she enjoyed the research process and deepened her knowledge of the treatment of women in early 18th Century England.

“I think I had heard the story because there was talk of a skeleton of Jane Wenham being around in Plymouth where I used to live, but that was all and it was a bit like a legend,” remembers the Leyton resident.

With run through performances taking place this week ahead of the premiere, Rebecca says the show is looking good.

“We have got a great cast and Ria Parry is a great director, there’s beautiful design by James Button – it’s very beautiful, fantastic design.

“It’s always strange because you work on things for a long time, it’s just lovely to see something coming to life when it’s been on the page for a long time.”

Jane Wenham: The Witch of Walkern, Watford Palace Theatre, Clarendon Road, Watford, September 23 to October 3, various times. Details: 01923 225671, watfordpalacetheatre.co.uk