Street Theater

18th-century interpreters act out historic scenes on Saturday

Be sure to look for Alexander Hamilton, John Holcroft and David Bradford some of the most noteworthy figures of the Whiskey Rebellion.
All scenes are performed right on Main Street near the Bradford House.
Terri Perry is once again leading this troupe.

Street Theatre Performance Schedule:

Scene I-General Neville’s Announcement (noon)

General John Neville announces to the crowd that he was recently appointed as Regional Tax Inspector by President George Washington. This announcement is met with outrage from the farmers as their survival depends on the trade of whiskey.

Scene II-Trouble in the Tavern (1 pm)

Tension rises and tempers flare as the tax is instated. Patrons of the Black Bear Tavern discuss the recent tar and feathering of excise officer, Robert Johnson. A heated debate ensues between a local farmer and a federalist supporter, resulting in a challenge to a duel.

Scene III-The Duel (2 pm)

Local farmer, Allegheny Turhane, and federalist supporter, Charles Higgins, take to the streets to defend their honor in a duel.

Scene IV-The Whiskey Wagon (4 pm)

Leaders of the Rebellion, David Bradford and John Holcroft, talk to the town drunk, Samuel Clayton, about cleaning up his act and joining their cause. The women commiserate over a recent loss, their lack of help at home due to their husbands’ involvement in the Rebellion, and their fears over what the future holds. David leaves for Philadelphia to speak to lawmakers and to serve as the voice of the western farmers.

Scene V-The Quiet Rebel (5 pm)

Elizabeth Bradford reads a letter from her husband, David, who is in Philadelphia. David urges the farmers to remain calm, to trust in his leadership, and to hold fast to the hope of a peaceful compromise. John Holcroft’s temper flares when General John Neville enters the Tavern and defends the tax. Samuel Clayton, now cleaned up, interrupts their argument and speaks to the group about what he thinks should happen next.

Scene VI-And What is Appropriate, Mr. Clayton? (6 pm)

The fury of the farmers has reached its boiling point as John Holcroft seals the fate of local tavern owner and federalist sympathizer, Alan Bedillion. Samuel Clayton calls for an “appropriate” punishment. Much to the dismay of David and Elizabeth Bradford, that appropriate punishment involves tar.