“A production that makes audiences think thanks to Weyni Mengesha’s clear direction and Amy Rutherford’s engaging, genuine and trustworthy storytelling.”

This opening night performance of Heidi Schreck’s ‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ makes me consider what the Canadian constitution—aka the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms—means. The press release from Soulpepper, one of the producing partners, gives a brief understanding of the American play:

“[It] allows the audience to explore the dynamic relationship between individuals and the foundational principles of their country, sparking conversations around citizenship, rights and democracy…The play dares to ask: Who was our constitution really made for?”

Although politics can and sometimes does bring out the best and worst in individuals, this is an essential question for all Americans to answer. Nevertheless, could this 2019 Best Script Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist sustain a Canadian audience’s interest for 90 minutes without an intermission? Can politics draw any audience together?

Director Weyni Mengesha believes so.

Her Director’s Note highlights the play is particularly timely and relevant for U.S. and Canadian audiences, especially with an upcoming American election and potential federal and provincial elections on the horizon.

This engaging Canadian premiere captivated the opening-night audience in the Distillery District. Mengesha's clear direction makes me eager to listen and understand the Constitution's significance to Americans.

Some of the play’s key creative team members must also be acknowledged.

Lighting designer Kimberly Purtell's warm hues and tones make the story’s typical American Legion Hall setting visually inviting. The back wall features photographs, including images of men and World War II veterans, and an iconic American flag is prominently displayed. Additionally, a podium is positioned at center stage. I particularly enjoyed some of the musical selections incorporated by Sound Designer Richard Feren during the pre-show, as many audience members around me were humming along to the tunes.

At the top of the show, Heidi Schreck introduces herself to the audience. She is fifteen years old and originally from Wenatchee, Washington. Heidi will switch back and forth between her teenage and adult years. Amy Rutherford’s engaging Heidi Schreck makes her a genuine and trustworthy storyteller for this Canadian premiere.

The playwright has conducted thorough research while writing this play. It’s a lot to take in. Some of the material is factual and detailed, while others are humorous. For instance, as a typical horny fifteen-year-old, Heidi speaks about earning her American college tuition by winning constitutional debate competitions across the United States thanks to the ingenuity of her mother’s encouragement to do this. There is another moment when a Supreme Court recording is played where the audience hears men’s voices, and they clearly have no idea what they are talking about or discussing.

Heidi’s script shifts from politics into serious and intensely dark moments from her life. She reflects on the women who lacked a written document that outlined their rights and protections against the abuse and violence they endured at the hands of men intent on causing harm.

She invites a representative from the American Legion to speak about the significance of the Constitution in his life. Played by a charming and quietly authoritative Damien Atkins (who wears a realistic-looking jacket and pants designed by Ellie Koffman), he begins to share as the representative what the Constitution means to him. Later, in a clever script technique, Atkins becomes himself, breaks the fourth wall, and speaks to the audience with dignity and class about his unique life growing up and how he wishes he had some of the protections guaranteed in the U.S. Constitution.

One exciting aspect of this production is that the playwright includes a Canadian connection near the end of the play. Seventeen-year-old Gabriella King, a student from Unionville, Ontario, debates Amy Rutherford on whether the current Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms should be upheld or abolished. Atkins serves as the moderator and timer while the two women prepare their thoughts using cue cards before presenting their arguments and rebuttals. After listening to both sides of the debate, an audience member is selected to gauge which position aligns more closely with their perspective.

Final thoughts: The 42-year-old Canadian Charter does have issues that need to be reexamined for a twenty-first-century population. During the debate with Rutherford and King, the latter individual made an intriguing comment: “Can Canadians use the current Charter to serve as a vehicle for change rather than be changed at all?”

That question remains with me two days after seeing the opening.

It’s a valid one to consider going forward.

‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ is on only for a very short time. Please go and see it.

Running time: approximately 90 minutes with no intermission.

The production runs until November 10 in the Michael Young Theatre at Young Centre for the Performing Arts, 50 Tank House Lane in Toronto’s Distillery District. For tickets: (416) 866-8666 or email boxoffice@youngcentre.ca.

SOULPEPPER, NIGHTWOOD THEATRE, NECESSARY ANGEL THEATRE COMPANY and TALK IS FREE THEATRE (TIFT) present
‘What the Constitution Means to Me’ by Heidi Schreck

Director: Weyni Mengesha
Lighting Designer: Kimberly Purtell
Sound Designer and Composer: Richard Feren
Costume Designer: Ellie Koffman
Stage Manager: Laura Baxter

Cast: Amy Rutherford, Damien Atkins, Gabriella King