Description
In 1781, as Generals Washington and Rochambeau were making plans to end the Revolutionary War, a group of Loyalist prisoners broke out of the New-Gate Prison in Simsbury, Connecticut. They overpowered the guards, killing one of them, and rushed out into the night. Discovering the truth behind the escape fell on prison trustee John Forward, who interrogated guards and the recaptured prisoners. One thing became increasingly clear—someone was lying.
The Slippery Truth is an immersive, site-specific play by the award-winning Plays in Place theatre company, staged at (and in) the Old New-Gate Prison and Copper Mine. Don’t miss this complex exploration of the complexities of war, prison, and loyalty at this powerful historic site.
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Doors open at 5:00pm, performance begins at 5:30pm. Attendees are welcome to explore the prison yard prior to the performance. The mine will be closed until Act 2.
Audience members will have the choice to descend into the copper mine during Act 2, or stay above ground for a similar immersive experience. Participants who choose to descend into the mine should be prepared with closed toed shoes and jackets.
Mine Details: There are 33 modern steps to enter the mine, and audience members will be asked to traverse a 100-yard loop starting at 35 feet below ground and descending to 75 feet below ground. The slope is gradual, and there is an anti-skid coating on the floor, but the footing is uneven and slanted. The shortest tunnel is 4 feet, and requires participants to walk through to complete the loop. Strollers, wheelchairs, walkers, and similar devices are not permitted in the mine. We ask visitors to consider their medical history and physical limitations before descending to the mine. The mine is consistently 52 degrees and wet, all year round.
Accessibility: Please contact the museum with any accessibility concerns or questions. Audience members will not be required to go into the copper mine for Act 2, but there is one step necessary to cross in order to view Act 3. We will be happy to make any accommodations within our power, so please reach out. morgan.bengel@ct.gov or 860-655-1591.
Tickets / Capacity: Performances will be held on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays (July 10 - August 30). Tickets cost $30 + processing fee. Seating is limited due to space constraints at our historic site, please purchase tickets early.
Weather Policy: Rain or Shine. In the event of rain, attendees will stay indoors, except during their walk to the mine.
Date & Time
Jul 10 - Aug 30, 2026
Venue Details
Old New-Gate Prison & Copper Mine
115 Newgate RoadEast Granby, Connecticut 06026
