Paul Revere’s 1770 “Bloody Massacre” engraving. Render your own verdict at the Oct. 18 event. Photo: wikipedia.org
By Brian Boisvert
Court will be in session at the Sanford-Springvale Historical Museum on Sunday, Oct. 18, and the audience will serve as the jury.
The Sanford-Springvale Historical Society will present “Uprising on King Street: The Boston Massacre of 1770,” an interactive drama performed by Theatre Espresso of Boston. Doors open at 2:15 p.m., and the performance begins at 3 p.m. at the museum, 505 Main St. in Springvale.
“This program is so much fun,” said Patricia Violette-Adams, executive director of the Historical Society. “You, the audience, will represent the jury! As members of the jury, you can ask questions of the lawyers, John Adams or Robert Paine, or of Captain Preston. Then you will debate whether you feel Captain Preston should be found guilty of murder and cast your votes. Imagine observing this historical event as it happened in 1770!”
The drama takes audience members back to one of the best-known events leading up to the American Revolution. After the Seven Years’ War left Britain £133 million in debt, Parliament enacted a series of taxes on the American colonies that Boston’s residents despised. The presence of British troops in the city added to the tension.
On March 5, 1770, what began as boys taunting a guard quickly escalated into a riot as Bostonians hurled sticks and snowballs at soldiers. Captain Preston led soldiers of the 29th Regiment to the scene, and in the chaos that followed, the soldiers fired into the crowd, killing several colonists and wounding others.
Preston and his soldiers faced murder charges. Ignoring public sentiment, John Adams defended them at trial, facing off against prosecuting attorney Robert Paine. The Boston Massacre helped set the American Revolution in motion.
After the performance, the actor-educators will return to the stage to answer questions from the audience.
Based out of Boston and operating since 1992, Theatre Espresso specializes in interactive historical dramas designed for students and community audiences, touring schools and civic buildings throughout New England.
Space is limited to 60 to 70 people, and registration is required. Organizers expect the program to sell out and encourage anyone interested to reserve a spot early. Tickets are $20. The Harry A. Mapes Charitable Trust sponsors the event, and the museum is accessible to visitors with disabilities.
For help with registration, call 490-1028 or email info@sanfordhistory.org.
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