First-Person Theatrical Performances

Born a free person of African descent in Revolutionary-era Philadelphia, young James Forten found himself at the center of events that shaped America's founding. As a child, Forten heard the words of the Declaration of Independence read aloud and witnessed the mobilization of the Continental Army. right in his backyard. Meet a young Forten as he learns the sailmaking trade alongside his father and encounters people in his community who help him decide to serve as a privateer during the Revolutionary War. After a successful first tour as a privateer capturing British merchant ships, Forten is captured by the British and serves time on the prison ship, Jersey in 1781, anchored two miles off Brooklyn. 

The 20-minute performance of Meet Young James Forten stars Nathan Alford-Tate and is available to watch online.

Set in 1838, meet 72-year-old James Forten as he speaks with his friend Daniel Brewton about the nearby ruins of Pennsylvania Hall. The building, which he helped to finance as a meeting space for social reformers and abolitionists, was looted and set on fire by a mob of white men who did not view the work of abolitionists favorably. That same year, Forten, who witnessed a reading of the Declaration of Independence and served two tours as a privateer, lost the right vote when Pennsylvania disenfranchised all Black men.

The 20-minute performance of Meet Elder James Forten stars Steve Crum and is best enjoyed by guests ages 9 and up.

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.

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.

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.

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.