Heidi Schreck Livres

Finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama When she was fifteen years old, Heidi Schreck earned money for her college tuition by giving speeches about the U.S. Constitution. Decades later, she traces the effect this document has had on four generations of women in her family. Deftly examining how the United States' founding principles are inextricably linked with our personal lives, Schreck also explores the ways in which their misuse has engendered violence and inherited trauma. With passion and wit, this galvanizing new play acknowledges the ways in which our Constitution has failed us while simultaneously offering hope that we may yet steer ourselves toward a better future.

The play explores the profound connection between four generations of women and the U.S. Constitution through the lens of a teenage Heidi, who once won debate competitions to fund her education. Blending humor and hope, it reimagines the impact of the Constitution on contemporary America, highlighting how it continues to influence the lives of young people today. The narrative invites audiences to reflect on their own relationship with this foundational document, making it both personal and relevant.

In 1400s England, Margery Kempe, a new mother and successful businesswoman, experiences torment from devils until a vision of Jesus Christ transforms her life. Her newfound devotion leads her to fasting, weeping, and a focus on chastity. The community grapples with whether to embrace her spiritual awakening or condemn her as a heretic, raising questions about faith, societal norms, and the complexities of personal transformation.

The story revolves around Shelley, who operates a soup kitchen in the Bronx, grappling with her faith and purpose. Emma, a college dropout, joins the kitchen seeking direction and brings a revitalizing energy that disrupts the existing dynamics. Their interactions highlight the tension between stability and change, as both women confront their personal struggles and the impact of their choices on each other's lives.