It’s another election year in the United States, and as someone with a great many loved ones living south of the border, I have never felt so helpless for them. Yet there is a glimmer of hope which I’m holding on to, and What the Constitution Means to Me shares that sense of hope. In its first Canadian run thanks to Soulpepper, Nightwood Theatre, Necessary Angel, and Talk is Free Theatre, What the Constitution Means to me is an intriguing look at a document we often hear about, but likely haven’t explored; as well as taking a look at our own Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the power it likewise holds.
Written by Heidi Schreck and directed by Soulpepper’s Artistic Director Weyni Mengesha, What the Constitution Means to Me begins with a look at Heidi’s teenage years: Schreck funded her college education by traveling around the US debating other high schoolers about the Constitution. The set is designed to resemble a legion hall like the ones Schreck competed in: the wall lined with old photos, an American flag proudly in the centre of the room along with a podium and some chairs to complete the scene. The American flag is later joined by a Canadian one once the focus shifts to our Charter.
Photo by David Hou
The play itself takes on the format of those debates, giving the audience a glimpse not only into her youth, but also into the fierce world of High School Debates in the US. As Heidi delves into her family’s history to provide a “personal connection” to the Constitution, she also provides facts and figures about how a specific area of the Constitution affects real Americans. She compliments some of these sections with recordings from actual Supreme Court hearings in the US; listening to these learned men stumble and cough while they attempted to discuss women’s health issues made the clip of Ruth Badger Ginsberg saying there needs to be all 9 women on the Supreme Court all the more exciting.
Photo by David Hou
The ending of the play, however, takes the debate theme to a whole new level as the actress playing Heidi (Amy Rutherford) and an actual high school student have an on the spot debate about the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This twist on the original makes it unique to this run and far more accessible to a Canadian audience. Gabriella King takes on Rutherford for this intense and quick debate, and I was not surprised that she emerged victorious on opening night. The two debate as to whether we should keep our Charter as is, or abolish it in favour of a new one. The audience is an active participant in this debate, cheering for well-made points and booing at the things we don’t like, and ultimately choosing the winner. This interactive portion of the production asks the audience to think critically about our own relationship with the Charter and politics in general.
Photo by David Hou
Rutherford’s performance as Heidi is fantastic; she has the enthusiasm of a passionate teenager when it’s called for and the understanding and compassion of an adult towards the end. She’s an engaging story-teller brimming with energy. Joining her on stage is Damien Atkins, who plays the legionnaire who travelled with Heidi and her family across the country for these debates. Atkins also shares his own stories of his childhood, providing a moment of beautiful vulnerability as he comes out of a more stoic and reserved character. Gabriella King is such a convincing and charismatic debater that I would vote for her for Prime Minister right now despite the fact that she herself is not even of age to vote. She makes a dynamic addition to an already stellar cast.
Photo by David Hou
What the Constitution Means to Me is a passionate exploration of the two documents which are supposed to allow for us to live our best lives; to help ensure that we are not taken advantage of by the government or by each other. While it’s clear to see where there are shortcomings in both documents and how they are used (and abused), the final debate instills a hope for a future where these documents become a true reflection of the people they represent. It will take work, but thankfully there are people putting in the work already to make these changes a reality. I certainly left feeling inspired; if there are young people right now like Gabriella King, and how Heidi Schreck was as she toured her country, then we’re going to be just fine.
What the Constitution Means to Me runs in the Michael Young Theatre at the Young Centre for the Performing Arts until November 10th. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.soulpepper.ca/performances/what-the-constitution-means-to-me
Cover Photo: Amy Rutherford and Damien Atkins. Photo by David Hou
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