Story of Irish transgender soldier in US civil war set for Birr stage
Later this month, Birr Theatre and Arts Centre is to host a new historical play based on the extraordinary true story of the Irish transgender American war hero, Albert D.J. Cashier.
Quintessence Theatre is undertaking a national tour of The Curious Case of Albert Cashier, which will include a performance in Birr on Saturday, September 30, at 8pm.
A description of the play explains that it revolves around, "A young Irishman, Albert D.J. Cashier, who enlists with the Union Army in the Civil War and becomes a decorated hero.
"But unknown to his comrades, Private Cashier is waging an internal war all of his own.
"When he is fifty years a veteran, an indiscreet doctor reveals to all of America that Cashier was assigned female at birth, born under the name Jennie Hodgers, from Clogherhead, Co. Louth, Ireland.
"From that day on Albert's greatest battle truly begins: for identity, selfhood, and truth.
"This original new play devised by Quintessence Theatre uses their innovative physical ensemble storytelling techniques mingled with multi-media of stunning projection and emotive music to dramatise the incredible true story of the Clogherhead-born Transgender soldier."
Quintessence Theatre announced that the original ensemble cast which devised the play are all back for the national tour, including: Ceara Carney; Fiona Keenan O’Brien; Anthony Kinahan; Mark O’Reilly and Leah Rossiter. The play is directed by Anna Simpson.
Tickets, priced €18/€12 are available online from the venue here or by contacting: 057 9122911.