2023 marks the 86th Anniversary of The Lost Colony – a live, outdoor production commemorating the history of the first English colonies in North America on Roanoke Island, North Carolina. Millions have seen the compelling story that celebrates the 117 English men, women, and children whose dream still lives on in this American original.
About The Lost Colony
In July of 1587, 117 English men, women, and children came ashore on Roanoke Island with the commission from Queen Elizabeth I to establish a permanent English settlement in the New World. In 1590, when English ships returned, they found the island deserted with no sign of the colonists except the single word “CROATOAN” carved into the surface of an abandoned structure and the letters “CRO” carved into a nearby tree. After nearly 450 years, the mystery of what happened to the colonists remains unsolved.
The Lost Colony, Paul Green’s Symphonic Outdoor Drama is performed on the site where these actual events occurred. Under the direction of Ira David Wood, III, over 100 actors, technicians, dancers, designers, and volunteers gather each spring to begin rehearsals to bring The Lost Colony to life for another summer season. The production is enormous. The stage itself is over three times larger than most Broadway stages in New York City. You are seated in our open-air theatre, located on the Roanoke Sound, with the stars above and live-action happening on three sides of you.
Come see epic battles and Indian dances. Experience the sorrow and heartbreak of tragedy and loss. Witness the pageantry of the Queen and her court and celebrate the birth of Virginia Dare, the first English child born in America. There is music, laughter, romance, and dance.
See History Come Alive
The Lost Colony is the “grandfather” of all outdoor dramas and is produced by the Roanoke Island Historical Association (RIHA), a non-profit with the mission to celebrate the history of the first English colonies on Roanoke Island, North Carolina, and to honor the founders of The Lost Colony through drama, education, and literature.
Shows are performed nightly, Monday – Saturday, at 7:45 PM through August 26th, 2023 at Roanoke Island’s Waterside Theatre, located inside Fort Raleigh National Historic Site on North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Add on great extras such as a Backstage Tour or Royal Tea. Bring the family to our new interactive children’s show experience – Mystery of the Lost Colony. Visit our website for tickets and more information!
Visit Website for More Information and Tickets