One‑woman show brings Revolutionary War hero to life in Setauket
Women were not allowed to serve in the Continental Army, so Deborah Sampson disguised herself as a man and enlisted in 1782 under the name Robert Shurtlieff.
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A nationally touring living‑history performance is coming to Setauket, spotlighting the extraordinary life of Deborah Sampson - the first woman to fight in the American military as a professional soldier.
The show, "A Revolution of Her Own," is performed by Judith Kalaora, who has portrayed Sampson for more than 20 years.
Kalaora, the founder of History at Play, says she remains inspired by a woman who overcame poverty, indentured servitude and the dangers of war to serve her country.
“I think Deborah Sampson is a story of persistence,” Kalaora said, adding, "she had no formal upbringing, no formal education. She self-taught. She went on to become an educator. She went on to become a public speaker."
Because women were not allowed to serve in the Continental Army, Sampson disguised herself as a man and enlisted in 1782 under the name Robert Shurtlieff. She served as a light infantry scout, was wounded in action, and hid her identity for 17 months until it was eventually discovered. Sampson received an honorable discharge and, two decades after the war, became the only woman awarded a full soldier’s pension.
"She is an incredible role model. She's also a daredevil. She breaks the rules, she shatters glass ceilings, and she inspires a lot of people," Kalaora said.
The Three Village Historical Society is cosponsoring the event and says Women’s History Month is the ideal moment to highlight stories like Sampson’s.
"Oftentimes, especially during the colonial times, during the revolution, women's stories were not told. They weren't documented, and this is one that was," said Mari Irizarry, the historical society’s director. She adds, “It’s one of the ways we bring history to life, especially for the younger community,”
Kalaora hopes audiences leave with a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices made during the War for American Independence - and for the woman who risked everything to serve.
“I want people to feel like they were in it with her, that they were there. And I want people to recognize what we fought for,” she said.
"A Revolution of Her Own" will be performed Monday, March 23 at 7 p.m. at the Setauket Neighborhood House. Tickets will be available at the door, though organizers say they are limited.
