Noah’s New Americans, the colonial youth history club at the Noah Webster House in West Hartford, Connecticut, presented their shadow play, Paul Revere’s Ride written by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in 1860 at Old North Church on May 20, 2015.
Shadow plays are an ancient entertainment art form in existence for at least 2000 years, beginning in China. Imagine living in the 18th century on a cold bleak winter’s eve: your colonial family may have been charmed by the glow of candlelight, illuminating silhouettes against a linen screen. All that is needed is a screen, silhouettes, and a light source to have fun!
In the tradition of an 18th century shadow play, Noah’s New Americans hope to create some whimsy with their multimedia experience, using a projector, cut-outs, acting, and sound effects.
Watch the video above and ride with Noah’s New Americans and Paul Revere through the countryside, alerting everyone to the advancing British regulars!
