As part of the Charles Town Heritage Festival, the play, “The Anvil,” will be presented Sept. 19 through 21 in Charles Town. The Anvil, written by Julia Davis, includes a cast of 25 local residents and is based on the trial of John Brown, who led a raid on Harpers Ferry in October 1859, in what many believe was the spark that ignited the Civil War. The play not only goes through the actual trial, but we also go inside Brown’s jail cell, where he argues that slavery is “contrary to the teachings of Christ!” but that his own deadly actions are “wielding the Sword of the Spirit.” Meet his wife Mary, the mother of 13 of his 20 children; and we meet Mahala Doyle, the woman whose husband and two sons were “murdered in my hearing” in Kansas.

Come, be a part of this shared history. Stare into the eyes of John Brown; those who stood with him, those who stood against him, and those simply caught in the grip of the nation’s greatest struggle. Madman or saint, each must decide. Join in Friday, Sept. 19 at 7:30 pm; Saturday Sept. 20 at 2 p.m. or at 7:30 p.m.; or Sunday Sept. 21 at 2 p.m. Doors will open 30 minutes before show time. All shows are at the site of the actual John Brown Trial, the Jefferson County Courthouse, located at 100 East Washington Street in Charles Town, West Virginia.

Seating is limited. Reservations are encouraged, and can be made by calling 304-676-8059, or by emailing AnvilTickets@gmail.com. Tickets are $15 general admission, or $10 for those under 20 and over 60. For more information, contact Joe Yates at 304-676-8059.