The Curious Case of Albert Cashier: Lincoln's 'Lady' Soldier

“Lincoln wanted soldiers. I wanted excitement”

Belvidere, Illinois, 1862: A young Irishman, Albert D.J. Cashier, 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.

In this original new play devised by the company, Quintessence Theatre use 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.

Directed by Anna Simpson (a Creative Associate of the Pleasance Theatre, London, and Practitioner with Shakespeare’s Globe) this exciting, moving & often comedic production, unearths a gem of a tale about a forgotten hero of Irish history, and explores urgent modern questions around gender, self-determination, and human tenacity, paralleling the struggles of the transgender community today.

Quintessence Theatre dedicates itself to exploring the human condition through the most theatrical means available: the actor themselves, their imagination, and embracing the live relationship between actor and audience.

The company is excited to announce that the original ensemble cast who devised the play are all back for the National Tour, including: Ceara Carney; Fiona Keenan O’Brien; Anthony Kinahan; Mark O’Reilly & Leah Rossiter.

The Curious Case of Albert Cashier was created in association with Droichead Arts Centre, Drogheda & the National Tour is kindly supported by The Arts Council of Ireland.

Previous Audience Reactions:

“I really loved the play. I was genuinely moved to tears, and so much of it struck a chord with me” - Aoife Martin, Trans Equality Network Ireland (TENI)

“A spellbinding and powerful production.”

“It will make you laugh and cry and will leave you with a lasting understanding and respect for transgender people”

“Brilliant from start to finish.”

“A powerful and absorbing show…Fine ensemble work as we have come to expect and a terrific central performance from Ceara Carney”

“Entertaining, funny, heart-felt & dramatic”