NO participation would be demeaning! First and foremost may I say you are NEEDED to add another perspective to this sad and complicated time in our history! Besides, what's so demeaning about portraying women who outsmarted the enemy? Especially Bowser outsmarting the president of the Confederacy! You would be exposing spectators to real history! A lot just happens impromptu as you stand or walk around. You could dress up and speak of how you communicated with Elizabeth Van Lew (The most hated woman in Richmond after the war) and how you basically hung around open doors, dusted desks with top secret information on them etc. Just take what you already know and verbalize it to the spectators. Many will come up to you ask you who you are and then go into your "schtick" You don't necessarily have to stay first person once you speak unless you want to. People come to these reenactments wanting to learn more and just think how your presence would "enhance" the contributions of Harriet or Mary instead of demean yourself. Focus on the positive outcome and legacy of your character's bravery and they will be impressed.
I had the pleasure of meeting a lovely African-American lady who portrayed Sojourner Truth who purposefully
avoided me because I was Rebel spy at Pres. Garfield's Lawnfield Civil War encampment until I approached her and showed her the"Union" side of my display and we became fast friends! She was thrilled to learn of another very interesting African American spy she had never heard of and planned on playing her in the future!
The more reenactments you appear at the more friends you'll meet. What's nice about portraying a woman is it's not mandatory to join a unit.
These women below are captivating their audience while enjoying educating them! Put your own spin on a character to show what you want to...it's YOUR perception and YOUR show! You don't necessarily have to speak first person if you don't want to just explain who you are and talk about the actions and accomplishments. I only "play" Rebel when I go over and agitate and tease my Yankee buddies and the audience loves that too. I've heard rumors of a potential arrest and if and when that happens I'll play along with that too!
For the most part I just use my display as a prop to explain and "represent"
Use your talent and imagination coupled with facts and go
have fun "spreading the word" how much your character accomplished and their legacy helping win the war! Nothing demeaning about that!!
Now go "break a leg" my dear...I'm sure you'll be fantastic!
Re-enactor Cheney McKnight is single-handedly changing the landscape of historical interpretation.
www.racked.com
Not Civil War but she's excellent!: