What The Constitution Means To Me
Vashon Rep Tackles Democracy Today...With Humor
Open Space for Arts & Community
Friday-Sunday
September 10th-13th
Thurs: 8:00pm
Fri-Sat: 7:30pm
Sun: 2:00pm

Is the American Constitution an old, worn-out document that should be retired? Or is it still relevant to our country?

This is the question debated in act two of What The Constitution Means To Me, a Pulitzer Prize and Tony nominated play that will run September 10 through 13 at Open Space for Arts & Community on Vashon Island. Tickets are on sale now for this quirky romp through our nation’s founding document, as told by playwright Heidi Schreck.

https://www.vashonrepertorytheatre.org/2024-25season-3

Schreck, a Wenatchee, WA, native, wrote this play in 2017 as a personal journey inspired by three generations of women in her family who were committed to Democracy. She takes the audience on a deep and uproariously funny dive into the Constitution’s 14th amendment -- citizenship, equal rights and due process, topics in the forefront of national debate right now. The play also tackles the nearly forgotten Ninth Amendment, which Schreck refers to as the shadowy part of the Bill of Rights. It states that the listing of specific rights in the Constitution does not mean people do not have other, unlisted rights.

Through enactments of American Legion debates across the country, Schreck’s character addresses women's rights, immigration, domestic abuse, and the history of the United States with biting humor. And the play shines a light on the challenge to the 22nd amendment which limits presidential terms to two.

It’s timely. It’s funny and inspiring to anyone interested in exploring how the foundations of our Nation stand up to today’s realities. The Sunday matinee performance will include a post-show discussion with Dave Horn, former Chief Deputy Attorney General under then-AG Bob Ferguson.

Vashon Rep’s production features veteran actor Mik Kuhlman in the lead with LA artist Reed Harvey as a legionnaire and Vashon High School’s Ari Anderson as an oppositional debater. Vashon Repertory Theatre’s Producing Artistic Director, Charlotte Tiencken, directs.