Discover the Real Washington: A Living History Event
In an election year, it may give us some perspective to look at the life of George Washington. Saturday, September 7 at 2:00 P.M., the Case Memorial Library will host historical reenactor John Koopman in his portrayal of this iconic leader. What is wonderful about Koopman’s performance is that he brings to life a fully realized and vibrant Washington quite different from the rather hazy impressions we formed in school as children. This Washington “is not the gray-haired figure so familiar to many Americans but a vital, athletic man at the height of his powers.”
Since 2006, Koopman has portrayed General George Washington in State Parks, National Parks and various historic sites all along the Eastern Coast. He has also played Washington in documentaries and other media and continues to mesmerize his audiences in libraries and similar venues. Over the years, Koopman’s study of Washington has been thorough and all encompassing; therefore, his encyclopedic knowledge fleshes out his portrayal so that we see Washington as a highly complex, fully developed human being rather than merely a one-dimensional and vague historical figure. Koopman has said about Washington, “The more I study him, the more he amazes me.” The actor’s amazement imbues his performances so that the passions and energies of this legendary hero from so long ago are palpable.
Koopman’s portrayals are wide-ranging: he can play a younger Washington in the prime of his life, who is a military and battlefield strategist, a highly skilled equestrian, and commander of the Continental Army during the Revolutionary War. But Koopman has also played a slightly older statesman who becomes the founding father of our country, the President and Commander-in-Chief.
But be forewarned, Koopman delivers his performances in first person, and he stays in character. If he portrays the Washington of the Revolutionary War, he does not know anything about becoming President. “People assume he’ll answer questions about any time period, but in order to remain in character he refers them back to 1783.” (Washington did not become president until 1789.)
“Looking the part” is quite literally true in Koopman’s case. His height, size, and weight are almost identical to those of Washington himself. Koopman also has a military bearing that calls to mind General Washington’s erect posture as depicted in many iconic paintings. One director Rob Child said of Koopman, “John Koopman is absolutely the best-looking Washington there is.”
“Clothes make the man” is another saying that receives a strict interpretation from this performer: his uniform, made by the same artisans who produced the exhibit at the Mount Vernon Museum, is the most authentic reproduction made to date of the uniform worn by General Washington.
