George Washington
Portrayed by John Lopes
Without George Washington, America might have had a Napoleon to lead her troops and, thereafter, her government. But the General, and future First President, remained faithful to the principles for which he and his country had fought. Leading by example, Washington resigned his commission as Commander in Chief of the Continental Army and then declined a possible third term as President. His well-earned retirement to his beloved Mount Vernon lasted less than 3 years, but he and Martha enjoyed living beneath “fig and vine” together until his death in 1799.
Raised on a dairy farm, John Lopes can appreciate the connection George Washington felt for his land. And trained to ride, dance and elegantly cross swords, Mr. Lopes skillfully conveys Washington’s talents as a soldier, a leader, and a Virginia gentleman. Standing well above 6’, John Lopes portrays George Washington as an impressive, thoughtful, man of action
John Lopes has been acting in California and then in Philadelphia since 1990. With a BA in English from California State and an MFA in Acting from Temple University, Mr. Lopes is a well-trained theater artist. John’s acting experience includes performances with Hunger Theater, The Philadelphia Shakespeare and Arcadia Shakespeare Festivals, Lantern Theater, Luna Theatre, Commonwealth Classic Theater, the Philadelphia Arts Collective and in productions by the Walnut Street Theater. Winner of the Irene Ryan Award, John is an adjunct theatre professor at Temple University.
Performing as part of the American Historical Theater since 2007, Mr. Lopes can ride, dance the minuet, and fence: all talents he brings as part of his interpretation of George Washington. John has appeared in venues that include the Templeton Foundation at Princeton, New Jersey; Federal Hall in New York; Washington Crossing National Park and Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge in Pennsylvania.
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