First-Person Theatrical Performances
The Museum's original first-person theatrical performances bring to life the diverse lives, perspectives, and experiences of people from the Revolutionary era.
Our Latest Theatrical Performance
A performance exploring the life and legacy of James Forten, a free Black Philadelphian, Revolutionary War sailor, successful businessman, and stalwart abolitionist.
Meet James Forten
A first-person theatrical performance about James Forten’s life, written by local playwright Marissa Kennedy and performed by actor Nathan Alford-Tate, accompanies the Museum's special exhibition, Black Founders: The Forten Family of Philadelphia, to engage school groups and Museum guests.
Live performances take place on select weekends and holidays at the Museum in the Alan B. Miller Theater on the second floor.
Watch Performances
Browse our selection of first-person performances available to view online from anywhere at any time. These performances are also periodically performed live at the Museum.
"Meet Elizabeth Freeman" Performance
Watch the original first-person theatrical performance portraying the life and experiences of Elizabeth Freeman, a Massachusetts woman who sued for her freedom from enslavement and won, produced in conjunction with our special exhibit, When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story, 1776-1807.
"Meet Elizabeth Freeman" stars Tiffany Bacon as Elizabeth Freeman and was written by Teresa Miller.
"Meet Rebecca VanDike" Performance
Watch the original first-person theatrical performance portraying Rebecca VanDike, an early woman voter in New Jersey, produced in conjunction with our special exhibit, When Women Lost the Vote: A Revolutionary Story, 1776-1807.
"Meet Rebecca VanDike" stars D’Arcy Dersham as Rebecca VanDike and was written by Valerie Dunn.
"Meet Richard St. George" Performance
Watch the original first-person theatrical performance portraying Irish soldier and artist Richard St. George, produced in conjunction with our special exhibit, Cost of Revolution: The Life and Death of an Irish Soldier.
"Meet Richard St. George" stars Seth Reichgott as Richard St. George and was written by Chris Braak.
"Meet Joseph Plumb Martin" Performance
Watch the original first-person theatrical performance portraying Continental Army soldier Joseph Plumb Martin. This was the Museum's first original theatrical piece and debuted in 2018.
"Meet Joseph Plumb Martin" stars Patrick Poole as Joseph Plumb Martin and was written by Ryan Schwartz.
Interested in More Living History?
Dive deeper into Revolutionary-era living history with interviews, cooking demos, and more.
"Freedom on the Horizon" Performance
Actress and historical interpreter Nastassia Parker portrays Ona Judge, an enslaved woman who ran away from George and Martha Washington’s household in Philadelphia, in her 20-minute, one-woman theatrical piece, “Freedom on the Horizon.”
Artisan Field Trip Interviews
In the 1700s, young people served seven-year apprenticeships to learn skilled trades. Just like today, people had specialized jobs. The Museum's Artisan Field Trips feature video interviews with living history artisans and makers as they demonstrate their Revolutionary-era crafts.
Living History at Home Cooking Demos
What were the Continental soldiers eating while on campaign during the Revolutionary War? The Museum's Living History at Home cooking demonstrations take you through making foods of the Revolutionary era.