Portrait by @fertaricuztom
“The Lady in Zouave” tells the story of the first Black woman to enlist in the U.S. Army and the only woman to serve as a Buffalo Soldier.
Synopsis:
In 1866, nearly four million newly freed Black Americans struggled to find work in a nation ridden with economic instability and racial violence. Among them was Cathay Williams, a formerly enslaved woman in search of a better life. Determined to move independently through life and inspired by an older cousin, Ms. Williams joined the army disguised as a man. She served for two years then received an honorable discharge.
After her service, Ms. Williams worked as a cook, washerwoman, and seamstress, eventually landing in St. Louis Missouri where she was interviewed and published by the St. Louis Daily Times in 1876. In 1891, she applied to receive pension as a result of disabilities resulting from her years of military service. Sadly, Ms. Williams’ pension was denied and she died mere months after being refused compensation for her service to her nation.
The Lady in Zouave is loosely based on the life of Cathay Williams, using excerpts from her St. Louis Daily Times interview woven throughout the libretto to guide the story and cement it in truth. While creative liberties are taken in order to fill gaps where historical record falls short, the truth of Cathay William’s story shines through, beginning and ending with her own words.
Characters:
Cathay Williams, Henry Ross, Bessie Ross, Nat Hamer, Martha Williams, Buffalo Soldiers