Judith Kalaora – Deborah Sampson \ Rachel Revere \ Madam Sarah Derby
Judith is a professional educator & living historian. She graduated from Syracuse University Magna cum Laude and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting, along with a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature, Language, & Culture. Judith completed the Globe Education Program at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre in London. She founded History At Play™, LLC (HAP) in 2010 to chronicle the lives of influential and often forgotten figures. She researches, writes, produces, & performs original productions and has a repertoire of over 16 performances. In 2024, Judith was 1 of just over 100 civilians to attend the National Security Seminar at the U.S. Army War College in Carlisle, PA. Judith created HAP to engage audiences worldwide, surpassing the bar for hi-calibre in-person, virtual, & hybrid Immersive Living History to interpret connections between historical legacies and contemporary values.
For inquiries or interest in hiring Judith, contact jlane@revolution250.org
Current Offerings:
A Revolution of Her Own!™
Deborah Samson [Samp
son], the first woman to enlist, fight, and be honorably discharged from the American Military, captivates audiences in an hour-long program chronicling her life. An indentured servant by age five, Deborah grew up in a world, where women were naught but second-class subjects. Without the ability to vote nor own property, Deborah knew her options were limited. Breaking the rules may be necessary to accomplish a greater goal in life.
After ten years working as a farm hand, Deborah was strong and possessed the physical capabilities of her male counterparts. As a self-educated woman, Deborah was the only female school teacher in Middleborough, Massachusetts. Then, on May 23, in the final years of the American Revolutionary War, Deborah bound her chest, tied back her hair, and, wearing male attire, enlisted in the Massachusetts 4th Regiment of the Continental Army, using the alias “Robert Shurtleff.” Experience Deborah’s arduous upbringing; nearly one and a half years of combat; and success as the first American, female, professional soldier through interactive stories and authentic 18th Century attire. Deborah’s passion takes you back in time!
This performance is our flagship production. Having been performed nearly 2,500 times, the award-winning living history experience is internationally renowned, was thrice named one of the Top 7 Things to Do in NYC, and received a standing ovation Off-Broadway, in the United Solo Theatre Festival, 42nd St, NYC.
Contains simulated violence. Viewer discretion is advised. Suitable for all ages.
Running Time: 60 minutes
Rendezvous with Rachel Revere
It is May 2, 1775 and Rachel Revere has only heard from her beloved husband Paul once since his legendary midnight ride on the 18th of April. Still isolated from one another due to the Siege of Boston, Rachel desperately tries to create a plan to safely take her children: six step-children from Paul’s first marriage and a newborn baby of their own, from the reach of the British Regular Army in Boston. In this program, you will help Rachel, as she carefully considers the dangers and demands of each plan. Find out if Rachel is successful in her perilous mission to unite her family, amidst the wake of an American Revolution.
MADAM SARAH™ A Widow on the Precipice of Power
(Immersive Living History Performance)
Cato & Dolly
An Ensemble Show
