Written for the English stage in 1739, Gustavus Vasa was the first play performed at the Federal Street Theatre on opening night, February 3, 1794. Though it deals with the Swedish struggle for freedom from Denmark in the 16^th century, audiences here and elsewhere easily saw connections to the American Revolution. The heroic leader, Gustavus Vasa, reminded everyone of then-President George Washington. Throughout the play, Gustavus makes rousing speeches about breaking from the tyranny of the Danes. He describes freedom as “Heav’n’s choice prerogative” and encourages his soldiers to fight as “sons of Liberty.” The fact that this play was written by an Irishman and banned in London made its popularity in the new United States a literary declaration of independence.

Courtesy of the Massachusetts Historical Society