“What the Constitution Means to Me,” a Tony-nominated play, was performed by a Mizzou alum and students at the Rhynsburger Theatre from Sept. 17-21.
The show, told in an autobiographical style, navigates how the Constitution has affected women throughout American history. It explores the triumphs and the pitfalls of the law through the lens of playwright Heidi Schreck, following her own life and the stories of generations of women who came before her.
The Mizzou theater department provided educational and interactive resources for the play. Historical information and timelines were set up in the lobby to assist viewers with any questions they may have. Additionally, audience members could write questions to place in a bin for the debaters to answer onstage. Ushers walked through the aisles and handed out pocket constitutions to make it easier for the audience to follow along with the debates.
Megan Murphy Chambers, a Mizzou alum, portrayed Heidi Shreck and commanded the stage in both acts. She found ways to lighten up the scholastic aspects of the show with hilarious and relevant humor. She brilliantly segued from story to story, blurring the lines between acting and authenticity. Her performance was dually beautiful and heartbreaking.
Sophie Campos, a junior theatre major at Mizzou, played the role of a debater. As the debater, she advocated that in the midst of a politically torn country, the Constitution remains essential. Playing the role solidified her own beliefs that the Constitution is necessary in our nation, so long as people follow it faithfully and justly.
“I don’t think some people fully realize just how many people rely on the Constitution as their source of human rights,” Campos said. “There’s so much stuff happening right now that’s so unconstitutional. It’s still important that we have it for those who need those protections.”
Campos and fellow castmate Summer Dunkley were double-cast in the debater role. Campos reflected on why “What the Constitution Means to Me” is important to their identities.
“I’m Mexican American; my friend Summer is a Black woman,” Campos said. “So I think it’s extra powerful that we are women of color who get to go up there and talk about how we feel … The debaters are strong, powerful girls.”
“What the Constitution Means to Me” brings human rights in the U.S. to the forefront of the conversation. While the play is profoundly personal, it remains incredibly timely for the current political climate. With the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade, lines surrounding abortion access and the 14th Amendment hold a different meaning than when the play was written.
Schreck gives performers liberty to alter lines statistically as needed. For example, when the show premiered on Broadway in 2019, same-sex marriage would be banned in 14 states if the Constitution were abolished. Since then, that number has risen to 32. Actors in the production had to fact-check and make adequate changes.
“It’s a little more drastic now … that’s different than saying only 14,” Campos said. “That’s more than half of the country. So it’s cool getting to apply it to life, but then it also makes it scarier.”
To help the audience fully grasp the difficult topics being discussed, the show is participational in nature. During the second act, Chambers steps out of her role and addresses the audience as herself. Campos remarked that in a traditional play, she talks at the audience; in this one, she feels as though she and Chambers are having an insightful conversation with them.
“It’s very powerful to talk to the audience and be like, ‘by the way, if you haven’t noticed… I’m telling you in your face now that this is an issue,’” Campos said.
“What the Constitution Means to Me” is a love letter to women everywhere. It is a show in which life intersects with art. It reminds us how misogyny is always humming beneath the surface. We cannot completely erase it, but we can do our best as citizens to put ourselves into the narrative and make progress.
Edited by Sabrina Pan | [email protected]
Copy edited by Grace Morgan and Emma Harper | [email protected]
Edited by Maya Bensaoud | [email protected]
Edited by Chase Pray | [email protected]
