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in History, Visit & Events, What's New

March 12, 2010

Revolutionary City returns March 15

Williamsburg opens its award-winning street drama — The Revolutionary City — for a fifth season March 15. The new presentation includes a tense re-enactment of a potentially explosive confrontation over the despised Stamp Act of 1765. “The Next Disagreeable Thing” is the new opening scene in the two-hour presentation of “Revolutionary City: Collapse of Royal Government, 1765-1776.”

“Collapse of Royal Government” — presented Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays —chronicles growing colonial outrage as loyal subjects turn against their king and spark revolutionary ideas that divide loyalties – even within families – and compel Williamsburg residents to choose between monarchy and self-government.

The companion episode, “Citizens at War, 1776-1781” reveals the human dramas of revolution in war-torn Williamsburg. Guests follow the progress of the war as the town welcomes the Declaration of Independence, celebrates the Continental Army’s victory at Saratoga, endures occupation by traitor Benedict Arnold and his British troops, and sees Gen. George Washington prepare his army for the final siege of Yorktown. As both free and enslaved cope with the effects of war profiteering, rampant inflation and other hardships, they ponder their loyalties and what the future holds Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

Mondays offer “Building a Nation” which acquaints ticketed guests with both well-known and obscure 18th-century townspeople of Williamsburg as they pursue their lives against a backdrop of world-changing events. Guests meet and engage patriot leaders, visionary preachers and other residents as they shape a new society with the promise of liberty and prosperity for all its citizens.

Make plans to see Revolutionary City on your next visit.