photo by Wide Eyed Studios
Now on the intimate Arcadia Stage at Arden Theatre- What the Constitution Means to Me has been extended through December 10th. This 90-minute show written by Heidi Schreck and directed by Jennifer Childs (Artistic Director and Co-Founder of 1812 Productions), features Jessica Bedford in her Arden debut as the real-life Schreck who spent her teenage years winning debate competitions (and earning college tuition) about the Constitution.
The play premiered on Broadway in 2019 at the Hayes Theater, starring Schreck herself and received Tony nominations for Best Play and Best Lead Actress in a Play. What the Constitution Means to Me was also a finalist for the 2019 Pulitzer Prize for Drama. Don’t miss your chance to see this powerful performance, just steps away from where the Constitution was written. More details here.
Below, Jessica Bedford talks about the importance of this show, how she prepared for the non-stop role, and why Philadelphia audiences should come see it.
Q: Were you familiar with What the Constitution Means to Me before joining the Arden Theatre Company’s production? Why did you want to be a part of this show?
A: Like a lot of folks, I saw the production that streamed on Amazon during the pandemic. It was so meaningful to me – to see a powerful and gifted actor and writer onstage, in front of a live audience. This was a time when I wasn’t sure, given the state of the world, if I’d be able to make theatre again. I felt like the production caught lightning in a bottle. I was impressed with Heidi’s vulnerability, but also with her intelligence; an intelligence that is sourced in vibrant curiosity and a need to understand. It’s awesome to play her – to step into that vulnerability, intelligence and curiosity. The play itself is an excavation – it brings to light so many things buried under the foundation of our country and society. It makes overt the covert. I think it will give our audiences a lot to think about.
Q: How did you prepare for such a big, 90-minute role?
A: I have a memorization technique where I write out the first letter of every word I say. It ultimately looks like some kind of top secret code when it’s all written out. I did that with the entire script. It really helped put the pages in my head quickly. The rehearsals themselves were incredibly helpful. Jen, my director, is brilliant and generous in the way she directs. She really invites you, as an actor, into collaboration with her. This gave me a sense of ownership over my performance which helps to build confidence.
Q: Is there anything you were surprised to learn about the Constitution that you didn’t know before? Or any facts you found to be interesting?
A: To reference the play, in the 4,5000 words in the Constitution and in the 27 amendments, the word “woman” never appears once.
Q: Playwright Heidi Schreck paid for college by winning Constitutional debate contests as a teen. What topics or hobbies are you an expert at and you’re certain you could crush the competition?
A: Dramatic Theory. No joke. I love that stuff. Especially structuralist examinations of genre. I’m cringing at the deep, deep nerd level of this answer, but it’s honest so here we are.
Q: What do you hope the Philadelphia audience takes away from this production?
A: The Constitution isn’t only our history, our past – it’s our present and our future, too. We need to be in conversation with and about this document so we can build a better future.
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