"Shiloh Rules"

"Shiloh Rules": A Civil War Re-enactment Comedy

Set during a contemporary re-enactment of the 1862 Battle of Shiloh, this sharply observed comedy written by Doris Baizley aims its sights at two women -- one a Union nurse, the other a Confederate refugee -- who are battling for the esteemed title of Best Female Re-enactor of the Year. As the competition (intensified by their young trainees and the goading of a concessionaire) increases, it leads to real conflict with an African-American female park ranger with no interest in being in 1862. Amidst all the laughs, "Shiloh Rules", playing at ONSTAGE in Bedford, also shines a light on some thoughtful themes, suggesting that perhaps not all of the conflicts of the Civil War were buried after the battles ended.