"1776"

Abstract

The show is set primarily in what is now known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia (which was then the house of the colonial legislature). The plot revolves around the debates in the Second Continental Congress, regarding independence from England, which occurred in late-June and early-July of the year 1776. Two years earlier, the First Continental Congress met and drafted a letter to King George III outlining the many grievances the colonies had regarding the stifling taxes that had been imposed on them beginning in the 1760's. Additionally, the First Continental Congress called for the convening of a second congress in 1775 to address what they had hoped would be a positive response from the king. Unfortunately, their grievances were ignored and the American Revolution began before the Second Continental Congress could assemble. Although we do know that the subject of independence was discussed frequently from May 1775 (the opening of the Second Continental Congress) until July 1776, we know very few details about what actually happened at Independence Hall, as no official record exists. This is not surprising, as the discussion centered on the notion of committing treason against the king of England. (excerpt from Tani Isaac)