“The Anvil,” a dramatic two-act play of the treason trial of the fiery abolitionist John Brown, written by the late Julia Davis, will be presented on Sept. 21, 22 and 23 at the Jefferson County Courthouse as part of the annual Charles Town Heritage Festival.

Originally written for the Civil War Centennial Commission in Charles Town, “The Anvil” was first performed in 1961 in the Jefferson County Courthouse in Charles Town, the site of the original trial. It was produced off-Broadway the following year and then returned to the Courthouse in 1986. The play was then performed in July 1994 for the 50th anniversary of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park. The last performance was at the courthouse in September 2009. Many that performed then are returning for this production.

This year’s performance will again take place at the site of the original trial at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, Sept. 21 and 22 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 23. Ther will be limited seating in the courthouse and tickets will be rquired.

Local residents and history buffs, Gerry and Marianne Bayer, are the producers of this production and also have parts in the play. “The Anvil” is a riveting drama and historically accurate depiction of the original trial.

Many local Harpers Ferry, Shepherdstown and Charles Town residents will be featured in this year’s production. There are 19 male roles and two women’s roles, in addition to a narrator.

Tickets may be purchased locally at the Anvil Restaurant, the Bolivar-Harpers Ferry Public Library, the Charles Library and Historical Museum, the DISH Restaurant or by calling 304-876-1825.