|
Regional Reviews: Raleigh/Durham What the Constitution Means to Me Also see Garrett's review of Doubt, A Parable
In this play, Ms. Schreck has written about her personal journey of engagement with the Constitution. The audience is invited to question our own assumptions about what rights and restrictions we have and the power of this single document over our population. The play was originally produced in 2017 during a heightened sense of uncertainty that continued to grow during the term of the U.S. President at that time. The playwright is the main character (portrayed by the wonderfully gifted Julia Gibson). Heidi introduces herself (and younger self) as she prepares to give a speech on what the Constitution means to her. She does this to a room full of older, white men of the American Legion (played by the audience) to win money to help pay for her college tuition. One Legionnaire (Jeffrey Meanza) is also on stage to ensure Heidi abides by the rules set forth by the Legion. Heidi makes her case about the importance of the Ninth and Fourteenth Amendments. She quotes former U.S. Supreme Court Justice William O. Douglas' interpretation of the Ninth Amendment as a "penumbra" (which The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines as "a space of partial illumination (as in an eclipse) between the perfect shadow on all sides and the full light.") This Amendment is the vaguest of all the 27 Amendments and the one referred to the most in expanding the rights of citizens not specifically mentioned in the Constitution. In making her case, Heidi delves into her own family history that includes topics of human-trafficking, domestic and sexual violence, and abortion. She brings to light those that the Constitution did not (and still does not) specifically include. Under the guided brilliance of director Aubrey Snowden, this production invites the audience to interrogate the document for themselves as Heidi makes her own case. The finale provides an actual debate between the now-identified actress playing Heidi and an actual high school debater in the community; at this performance, it was local student Amari Bullett. A coin is tossed deciding what side of the argument each will take in either defending to keep the Constitution or to throw it out completely. The audience then cheers and boos for the arguments each make. One audience member is randomly selected to choose the final winner. There are some moments that feel awkwardly placed. As the play progresses, the Legionnaire steps out of his role and introduces himself as the actor Mike. He begins to tell his own personal journey of understanding his sexuality and concept of masculinity. Later, "Julia" and our local debater sit back-to-back and ask questions previously provided by earlier audience members; some that are government specific and some that are just personal. It is unclear for what purpose the play ends on this exchange. The only idea that comes to mind is that it may ease the tension of such critical analysis of our governance to remind the audience of the humanity behind our perspectives, no matter our differences of opinion. Set and costume designs are by the esteemed Derrick Ivey. Dressed in hues of red, white and blue, Heidi enters, on a stage in the shape of the female symbol of a circle with a small cross underneath. The symbolic chosen color of blue does not escape the attention of this reviewer. At its head is a depiction of the American Legion stage as it elongates into a welcoming runway. This is for Heidi to not only walk out toward the audience, but to also serve as a path of invitation for the audience to symbolically participate in the parliamentary debate. Sound design by Eric Collins provides appropriate patriotic anthems mixed in with actual recordings of U.S. Supreme Court justices providing their own interpretations of the Constitution. And Tao Wang's lighting beautifully adds focus and mood. In program notes, dramaturg Adam Versényi references the great Suzan-Lori Parks' play Death of the Last Black Man in the Whole Entire World when she describes the significant differences between "remember me" and "re-member me." This distinction is an important concept that we, as citizens, must hold our government accountable for: to not just keep us in mind as they create and interpret the laws but be active in ensuring that all are official "members" of a larger whole. The first act is to step into the polling booth and let your voice be accounted for. We must decide for ourselves if this is a "living" document or a stagnant one created by privileged white men more than 200 years ago. Parental guidance is suggested as there is strong language and mature themes such as human trafficking, sexual violence, and abortion. What the Constitution Means to Me runs through November 3, 2024 at PlayMakers Repertory Company, Paul Green Theatre at the Joan H. Gillings Center for Dramatic Art, 150 Country Club Road, Chapel Hill NC. For tickets and information, please visit www.playmakersrep.org or call 919-962-7529. Playwright: Heidi Schreck Cast: (In alphabetical order) |
