One-woman show highlights military hero, feminist

The one woman-show “Independence: The True Story of Dr. Mary Walker” highlights the military and medical career of a woman during the Civil War. 

Actor Kathie Barnes stars as Mary Walker in this one-person play. Director and Writer Lloyd J. Schwartz began writing the play with Barnes in mind for the role. Barnes was hesitant to accept the role in the beginning and says she was at first “overwhelmed,” but since accepting the part, she described the joy the role has brought to her. “Independence” premiered in 2017 at Seneca Falls for the 100th anniversary of the Women’s Convention.

“To do this play about a woman like this, I was extremely excited and honored,” Barnes said. “To get into her skin was a little more difficult.”

Mary Walker was born in New York and raised by abolitionists. She graduated from Syracuse Medical College in 1855 as the only woman in her class and started her own practice as the first female surgeon. During the Civil War in 1864, Walker was assigned to the 52nd Ohio Infantry, which was based in Chattanooga near the Union front lines. She became a prisoner of war, later traded and finished her service as a surgeon for both soldiers and civilian families. By recommendation of Maj. Gen. William Sherman in light of her service and sacrifice, Walker was awarded the Medal of Honor, the only woman to have received this award.

Walker was also a feminist. She attempted to vote in 1871, though she was denied because of her gender. She aided Susan B. Anthony in the feminist movement for women’s suffrage and helped write books advocating for gender equality. She also crossed gender roles and donned what was traditionally men’s clothing.

Barnes said she initially struggled with the language and body movements of a woman from the 19th century. With the help of many people, she was able to master her performance.

“When you love a historical figure, you talk to people who also love her,” Barnes said.

Historians helped Barnes better understand who Walker was in her lifetime.

“A lot of people I meet don’t know who she is, which is normal because women’s history is so [small] in our society,” Barnes said. “I thought, ‘Oh my gosh, this woman needs to be known.’… I really want to put this woman out there so people know who she is.”

Barnes relates to Walker because of their shared passion for feminism and gender equality.

“I’ve always been a feminist and a champion of women,” Barnes said.

She briefly described some of the women in her life who impacted her, including her mother, who was a pilot before it was socially acceptable for women to be pilots.

“[Walker] didn’t see the distinction of gender into profession and didn’t understand why anyone else did either,” Barnes said. 

Walker’s story is shared on campus during women’s history month.

“I think she would be very happy to see how women are recognized in society as human beings who are equal,” Barnes said. “But it’s not totally equal.”

Barnes described her concerns about feminism and where gender equality is now. She said there are still issues that need to be addressed, particularly how men view women and the gender pay gap.

Barnes described what she believes walker would be doing for the feminist movement if she were alive today.

“I think she would still be out there … She’d ask, ‘Why aren’t there enough women here [in specific fields]?’” Barnes said.

“Independence: The True Story of Dr. Mary Walker” will be performed on March 12 at 7:30 p.m. in the Bud Frank Theatre. Student tickets are $5.