What the Constitution Means to Me

Written by Heidi Schreck
Awards:

  • Obie Award for Best New American Play (2019)

  • Tony Award Nominee for Best Play (2019)

Synopsis
What the Constitution Means to Me is a deeply personal and thought-provoking exploration of the United States Constitution and its impact on women’s lives. Drawing from her teenage experiences participating in constitutional debate contests, Heidi Schreck interweaves her personal history with a broader critique of the document’s flaws and contradictions. The play transitions between Schreck’s past and present, blending humour, heartbreak, and hope to examine how the Constitution shapes, protects, and fails its citizens—particularly women and marginalized groups.

Themes and Analysis

  • Feminism and Rights: The play highlights how the Constitution has historically excluded and marginalized women, prompting questions about its relevance in modern society.

  • Personal and Political Intersection: Schreck’s own experiences serve as a microcosm for the broader struggles of women in America, creating a deeply relatable and resonant narrative.

  • Civic Engagement: The play underscores the importance of understanding and engaging with political systems to create meaningful change.

  • Legacy and Hope: While critical of the Constitution, Schreck also celebrates its potential to evolve and empower future generations.

Key Moments

  • The Debate Contest Reenactments: Schreck revisits her teenage debates, blending nostalgia with a critical lens on how her views have evolved.

  • The Audience Interaction: Breaking the fourth wall, Schreck invites the audience to reflect on their own relationship with the Constitution, fostering a participatory atmosphere.

  • The Debate Finale: The play concludes with a live debate between Schreck and a teenage debater, symbolizing the ongoing dialogue about America’s future.

Critical Reception
What the Constitution Means to Me was widely praised for its innovative structure, emotional depth, and timely critique of American democracy. Critics lauded Heidi Schreck for blending personal storytelling with incisive social commentary.

The New York Times described it as “a love letter to democracy that also serves as an indictment of its failures,” while The Washington Post called it “a revolutionary piece of theatre.”

Why It Resonates Today
In an era of increasing polarization and activism, What the Constitution Means to Me serves as a rallying cry for civic engagement and systemic reform. Its exploration of identity, rights, and democracy resonates deeply with contemporary audiences.

Fun Facts

  • The play originated as a one-woman show before evolving into a fully staged production.

  • Heidi Schreck drew from her real-life experiences as a teenager debating the Constitution in competitions to pay for college.

  • The play’s final debate is improvised, with the outcome varying based on the arguments presented.