Category: Play

If you’re looking for something fun to do this weekend, consider planning a trip to Roanoke Island to take in The Lost Colony, an outdoor drama production that portrays the events that occurred in 1587 on Roanoke Island.

In 1587, a little over 100 men, women and children arrived on Roanoke Island, 30 years before the Pilgrims of Plymouth Rock arrived. Among this group of settlers was a man by the name of John White. Ten days after the birth of his granddaughter, he left for England to return with supplies. When he finally did return, three years later, all traces of the 100 other settlers was gone. Only overgrown brush and a plundered fort remained, along with one word carved into the surface of one of the palisades, “CROATOAN.” It was this mysterious disappearance of nearly 100 settlers that led to the creation of “The Lost Colony” concert.

Over the centuries, the fate of the 100 missing settlers fell subject to many myths and controversies. Some scientists have examined tree rings and deduced that the Roanoke Island settlement was going through the worst drought in 800 years at the time of the disappearances. Myths and conspiracy theories aside, now the story of the missing settlers has been crafted into the nation’s second longest outdoor drama and the beautiful outdoor theater has become a focal point for tourists visiting the Outer Banks.

Millions of Americans attend theater performances every year — 45.92 million in 2014 alone, to be precise. Simply put, people like being entertained. Theatrical performances like “The Lost Colony” concert appeals to a lot of people, and even boasts benefits, like instilling knowledge of historical events. In fact, studies have been done that show student who see live productions of events see an improvement of their knowledge on the events portrayed in plays by 63%!

Others are drawn to places like Roanoke Island because of a supernatural interest, and see the concert for those reasons. This supernatural element makes sense because polls show that 45% percent of U.S. adults believe in the supernatural and believe that the spirits of the dead are walking among us. They get a thrill out of places like Roanoke Island because they think it might be inhabited by the ghosts of the lost colony.

So if you’re looking for a unique experience with ties to our american history, consider a trip to the Outer Banks and check out Roanoke Island and the outdoor drama, “The Lost Colony.” It’s sure to be a trip to remember.