A Revolution of Her Own!™ Deborah Sampson at Bishop Hill Park Gazebo

A Revolution of Her Own!™, the inspirational story of America’s first professional female soldier Deborah Sampson, has been performed over 2,500 times across the country and virtually, receiving accolades from journalists, actors, CEOs, & historians, and earning a standing ovation Off-Broadway, on 42nd Street, NYC. It was thrice named as one of the “Top 7 Things to Do in NYC” by The New York Times.

The hour-long performance chronicles Deborah’s life: An indentured servant by age five, Deborah grew up in a man’s world. Options were limited; breaking the rules may be necessary to accomplish a greater goal in life. Experience Deborah’s arduous upbringing; years of active combat; and success as the first female professional American soldier. Deborah’s passion takes you back in time!

This performance of A Revolution of Her Own!™ takes place Saturday, August 22, 2026, at 11:30 am CT at the Park Gazebo, 103 N Bishop Hill Street, Bishop Hill, IL. This event is sponsored by Bishop Hill Chautauqua.

A Revolution of Her Own!™ runs 60 minutes and is followed by audience talkback/Q&A. It is rated PG. The production includes simulated violence and loud noise. Viewer discretion is advised. Suitable for all ages and family-friendly.

About Judith Kalaora: History At Play™, LLC (HAP) was founded in 2010 by Artistic Director Judith Kalaora to chronicle the lives of influential and often forgotten figures. Kalaora is a professional educator, award-winning playwright, and living historian. Graduating Syracuse University Magna cum Laude, Kalaora completed the Globe Education Program, at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre of London, England. She is a New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) touring artist; a recipient of Massachusetts Cultural Council awards; the 2019 recipient of the Dr. Bobby Gilmer Moss Lectureship Series Award, granted by the NSSAR (Sons of the American Revolution); the 2021 winner of the Women in the Arts Award, granted by the NSDAR (Daughters of the American Revolution); and the 2023 winner of a Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation Inclusivity Grant. In 2024, Kalaora was invited to attend the United States Army War College National Security Seminar (Carlisle Barracks, PA), where she was one of approximately 100 U.S. civilians invited to collaborate with the best minds in the United States Military and its allies.

About History At Play™, LLC (HAP): Since 2010, the History At Play™ Troupe has brought legacies of historic trailblazers to life in performances, keynote speeches, meet ’n greets, workshops, classes, and immersive experiences. Museums, libraries, corporations, universities, historic sites, national parks, and more have experienced HAP productions across the United States and abroad.

For more information, follow us on our socials @HistoryAtPlay and visit www.HistoryAtPlay.com

Photo: SandoFilms Productions