Prologue from the Artistic Director

Like most people, I learned about the basic principles of American government in grade school. The Constitution of the United States, along with its romantic sibling the Declaration of Independence and the slightly younger Bill of Rights, was required reading, and the words and ideas embedded in the document quickly became not only part of my understanding of how government works, but life itself. Its stated intention, “to form a more perfect Union, establish Justice, insure domestic Tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of Liberty to ourselves and our Posterity,” is nothing short of inspiring. The bulk of the text that follows is relatively straightforward. The concepts shockingly simple. The symmetry profound. Even for a seventh grader, the architecture and intent of the Constitution is mightily impressive.

But from the fierce battle that marked its initial ratification in 1788, the Constitution has been the source of relentless scrutiny and divisive arguments. Politicians of every kind have used it to bolster their positions. Pundits and television commentators refer to the Founding Fathers as if they were personal relatives. And the federal courts parse over the interpretation of every word in an effort to apply its original wisdom to current law. In spite of the clarity of the original document, an endless number of complications have arisen over its interpretation. As history has unfolded and social conditions change, as different generations have embraced different values, and as the world tries to grapple with rapidly changing economic and political developments, the arguments over what the Constitution means grow louder and louder.

So what does the Constitution mean to you? Heidi Schreck’s bright new play provides a theatrical forum for us to re-imagine that question. Using an essay she wrote when she was in high school and her experience as a successful debater, Heidi re-creates a competition with a young, female student. Together they argue a pressing legal question that impacts their lives, including an entire section that is entirely improvised right in front of us.

In doing so they celebrate a central principle of our democracy: participation. It’s a thrilling experience, made only more important by our dire, current political situation and the need for all of us to grapple with our essential beliefs and to force them into consciousness. For in addition to being entertaining and engaging, this play is a celebration of the three most powerful words in our political history: “We the people.”

So glad you could be here to take part.

Sincerely,

Tony Taccone