KEYWORDS

Explore the beginning of our country’s Civil War through a two-actor performance that portrays the lives, stories and experiences of individuals from both the North and South. Based on diaries, letters and other true accounts, the first battle of the war comes to life with characters including Abraham Lincoln, Jefferson Davis, General Irvin McDowell, Varina Davis, Rose Greenhow, Union and Confederate soldiers and their families. Through live action, storytelling, theatre performance and music, students will be introduced to a more personal side of the war and develop a deeper appreciation and connection to one of the most influential periods in America’s history. The program is an original production written by artist Cathy Kaemmerlen.

Intended Outcome:

• Students will experience a detailed look into the events that shaped the life and times of the characters that bring to social studies curriculum to life.

Georgia Performance Standards:

• SS5H1- The student will be able to explain the causes, major events, and consequences of the Civil War.

Cathy Kaemmerlen

Cathy Kaemmerlen, professional actress, dancer and storyteller, is known for her variety of characters, one-woman shows and her rapport with audiences.

A performer and "creator of shows" since she can remember, she has toured in schools coast to coast since receiving a BA in English and Elementary Education from UNC-Charlotte and an MFA in dance performance/choreography/theatre at the University of Wisconsin.

Cathy is now a published author of General Sherman and the Georgia Belles: Tales of Women Left Behind, and Speaking Stones: Voices from Historic Oakland Cemetery. She also has a new book, Just Buzzing Around with Itty Bitty Betty, She's a Honey of a Bee, published by Pelican Press for spring, 2012. Cathy is listed with Southern Artist Profile, National Women's History Project, and the Georgia and South Carolina Arts Commission Touring Artists Rosters. She excels in making history and folktales come to life.