WaterFire Providence - The Gaspee Project

Presented by WaterFire Providence at Downtown Providence

June 9, 2012

The attack on the British customs schooner HMS Gaspee by the citizens of Providence on June 9th 1772 is acknowledged as the first act of war against the British Crown. The raid’s success and the colony’s complicit resistance to civil sanction marked the start of the American fight for independence a year and a half before the Boston Tea Party.

Live Performance

WaterFire Providence is pleased to present “Revolutionary Fire” a dynamic, short play for families that is a great introduction to the characters, issues and history of the Gaspee Affair. Performances are free and will be held at 5:30 pm and 7:00 pm on Saturday, June 9th, 2012 in the Old State House located at 150 Benefit Street. The play is followed by a lively discussion of the significance and impact of this event on American History. The play was prepared by the RI Council on the Humanities as part of the RICH Legacy Series and is presented with the support of the RI Council on the Humanities.

The Passage of the Long Boats

Approximately 70 men rowed out from Providence in eight long boats at 10:00 pm on June 9th, 1772 to attack the Gaspee and fired the first shot of the Revolutionary War. To commemorate this event, members of the Buzzards Bay Rowing Club and the Azorean Rowing Club, are passing through the fires at 10:00 pm with their whaling boats. Whaling boats are similar to the original long-boats and we thank them for their participation. The Pawtuxet Rangers Fife and Drum Corps will be on the Crawford Street Bridge at 10:10 pm playing as the longboats pass beneath them on their way to Namquid Point. The Pawtuxet Rangers were commissioned in 1774 to help protect the ports, ships, and shoreline of RI against the Royal Navy.

New Sabin’s Tavern Performance

One block from the original site of Sabin’s Tavern we are creating The New Sabin’s Tavern in cooperation with The Wild Colonial at the intersection of South Water Street and Power Street (250 South Water Street). Sample period liquors and fine ales in a historic site and witness a recreation of this historic debate among the citizens of Providence. Performances will be during the evening from 9:00pm on at the high table out front by Power Street.

 

WaterFire Evening Events

5:00pm – Midnight

The WaterFire Store at Canal & Steeple Street buy a hoodie, t-shirt, poster or local artist designed WaterFire pendant and support a great cause!

Sunset (8:19pm) – Midnight

80 Bonfires on the River accompanied by the WaterFire Music

Sunset (8:19pm) – 11:00pm

Donate today by lighting a Luminaria!

Make it a Starry, Starry Night by wishing upon a star and become a part of the installation!

World War Memorial: Be mesmerized The Gargoyles and the Oracles from Ten31 Productions

Special tonight! Show your support and be a part of the installation by donating and receiving a Ribbon of Light! There will be one (1) special red ribbon of light which will give you and three (3) friends a VIP boat ride through the installation.

8:40pm

Torch Ceremony and procession from the Basin Stage to the Bank of America City Center (skating rink) to open the Portuguese Heritage Festival.

9:00pm at the Bank of America City Center

Check out live entertainment by Jorge Ferreira and Joey Medeiros, also taste some traditional Portuguese food. Visit www.dayofportugal.org for more information.

8:00pm – 10:00pm

Spogga, the fire dancer, skillfully dances admist the sparks spinning fire along the river.

Stop by to see Andrew Anselmo, The Origami Guy making paper come alive in Market Square

Catch Mime Artist Michael Grando protraying Pierrot (Pedrolino) from the Commedia del’arte, in his naive and everlasting quest to win the heart of a beautiful girl. He will be making his way up and down the river tossing visitors complimentary carnations which reflect the connection between life and art!

Other Events

8:00pm – 9:30pm at Roger Williams National Memorial

The Rhode Island Shakespeare Theatre will be preforming ‘As You Like It’ for free, all weekend, as part of the Downtown Sundown Series.