While Fort Raleigh National Historic Site preserves many important stories that have impacted our country’s history, it is best known as the site of the first attempted English colony in the “New World.” For more than 80 years, one of the main attractions at the park has been the theatrical telling of this story by our friends at the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA).
After cancelling its 2020 season because of COVID-19 safety concerns, The Lost Colony, the longest running symphonic outdoor drama in the United States, is back for its 84th season! The season kicks off on Friday, May 28th, and runs through Saturday, August 21st.
This year, the audience will experience a refreshed production with new layers added to the story for a more authentic experience that includes new dance numbers and Native American actors and actresses who will speak their lines in Algonquian, the language of spoken by Native Americans living in eastern North Carolina in the 16th century. Kaya Littleturtle, a Lumbee tribe storyteller and musician, translated songs and lines into Algonquian.
In addition to the new faces on stage, The Lost Colony is welcoming several new faces behind the scenes as well. John Ancona now leads the organization as General Manager. Jerad E. Todacheenie, a Navajo and Tlingit Alaskan dancer and choreographer, has joined the artistic team as associate choreographer. Harvey Godwin, Jr., chairman of the Lumbee tribe, has joined the RIHA board of directors. Jeff Whiting, theater director, choreographer and president and CEO of Open Jar Studios, has joined the production team as the new artistic director and choreographer.
Shows begin at 8:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday. Adult tickets start at $20, tickets for children ages 6-12 start at $10 and children ages 5 and under are free. Discounts are available for AAA, military and seniors in Premier and Prime seating areas. ADA seating is available.
For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://www.thelostcolony.org/
Lumbee Chairman Harvey Godwin, Jr.: The Lost Colony 2021 Production
The Lost Colony: Lumbee Auditions