She Would Be a Soldier; Or The Plains of Chippewa

This play is a historical drama set during the early 19th century focusing on the themes of bravery identity and gender roles. The story centers on a young woman who determined to prove her courage and resolve disguises herself as a man in order to fight in the military. The title reflects her desire to break free from traditional gender expectations and engage in combat alongside male soldiers. Set against the backdrop of the American frontier and the conflicts with Native American tribes particularly on the plains of Chippewa the play addresses the personal struggles of the protagonist as she navigates both the physical challenges of war and the societal pressures of being a woman in a man's world. Her journey becomes one of self-discovery and defiance as she confronts the complexities of honor duty and personal identity.