There is seemingly no end to the amount of queer history that is uncovered these days, and each story makes a great contribution to how our LGBTQ+ community has evolved.
Over in Ireland, the innovative Quinetssanece Theatre Group is currently touring the country with a thrilling new play The Curious Case of Albert Cashier: Lincoln’s ‘Lady’ Soldier. It tells the true story of Albert Cashier, a Louth-born transgender war hero who enlisted with the Union Army in the American Civil War.
Anna Simpson the group’s artistic Director talked to GCN about how they were shocked to find Albert’s story and how they had all never heard of him before, despite him being this great figure in Irish history. After establishing the actual facts the Group ‘workshopped’ what they had discovered about Albert to improvise it into a workable script.
Cashier had been born as Jennie Irene Hodgers, was an Irish/American soldier who served in the Union Army during the American Civil War. Cashier adopted the identity of a man before enlisting, and maintained it until death. Cashier became famous as one of a number of women soldiers who served as men during the Civil War, although the consistent and long-term (at least 53 years) commitment to a male identity has prompted some contemporary Scholars to suggest that Cashier was a trans man.
Simpson added that It’s a unique, exciting, and deeply collaborative way to create work where there is no one playwright, as is traditional in classical and contemporary theatre. Instead, every artist has creative ownership of the piece. And that’s never been more true than with this play. All of the creative team became so deeply invested in Albert’s story through the devising process that they developed a very real affection for him, almost as if he were a friend they knew, which only enhances the beauty, passion, and respect with which they tell his story.
Simpson also added the most important element of the research was working with Outcomers Drogheda, conducting in-depth interviews with trans people about their lives and experiences. We interwove these into the story, along with the historical facts we had, to ensure the play had as much emotional truth as historical truth, as well as actively parallel Albert’s life with the struggles trans people continue to face today.
Simpson also told GCN, ‘Albert’s story is an epic inspiration for all, regardless of gender identity. He did one of the most difficult but rewarding things a person can do with their lives in the face of insurmountable odds: he lived with complete authenticity. He is an inspirational LGBTQ+ figure whom we could all afford to learn something from. He certainly changed the lives of the artists in the company, and it is a great privilege to bring Albert Cashier to life on stage and bring his story back to his homeland.’
With the recent rise in anti-trans sentiment both globally and here in Ireland, sadly, it seems all the more crucial to share Albert’s story with the world now than it did back when we first presented the play in March 2020, and all the more important to remind people that trans folks have always existed. We know audiences will fall in love with Albert and all his accomplishments, just as we did, and we cannot wait to share him with you all.
Find more information and book tickets to see The Curious Case of Albert Cashier: Lincoln’s ‘Lady’ Soldier
in Irish theatres at this link.
