Living in Philadelphia brings us close to the lives of many famous founding Americans. It’s hard to say, though, that anyone today can claim as much of a kinship with Philadelphia’s colonial past as can Bill Robling, an actor and historian who has perfected his portrayal of Benjamin Franklin. Robling, who gets his Ben on as many as 150 times a year for various functions, will play Franklin tonight at a symposium entitled “An Evening with the First American” which will take place at Washington & Jefferson College. His program will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the Chapel at Old Main. Students get in free; regular admission is $15. Robling will portray Franklin again on Saturday, Day 2 of the symposium, at 10:30 in the morning.
During the event, which is sponsored by the David Bradford House of Washington, Robling will show up as Franklin and present a discussion on the American Revolution, the struggle between Pennsylvania and Virginia over land, and Franklin’s role in the founding of the United States.
Robling says that a characteristic aspect of his portrayal is showing Franklin “from the inside out, not just donning a costume.” He has been playing Franklin for 13 years, with a focus on accuracy of dress, demeanor, and attitude. His biggest crowds include 10,000 people at a basketball game and 5,000 people at a convention. He performs thrice weekly at Independence Hall in “Independence After Hours,” a look at John Adams, Thomas Jefferson and Franklin during eleventh-hour planning for writing the Declaration of Independence. He also works with area schools to bring history to local students.