- 2/15/2025 10:00:47 AM
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As the nation gears up for a pivotal Election Day, a unique theatrical event is putting the spotlight on the U.S. Constitution and the voices of tomorrow. Solaris Khalid, a high school senior, found herself at the intersection of theatre and debate when her coach encouraged her to audition for Stage West Theatre’s compelling production of What the Constitution Means to Me. Khalid, who aspires to study biology after graduation, seized the opportunity, and her journey has become a beacon of youthful perspective and civic engagement.
This Pulitzer Prize-finalist play, featuring the talented Megan Noble as Heidi Schreck, delves into the complexities of the Constitution through the lens of personal experience and debate. Schreck’s narrative intertwines her high school debate career with her deep-rooted connections to the constitutional amendments that have shaped American society.
Each performance culminates in a live debate where Khalid, alongside another high school student, engages in thought-provoking discussions with the show’s lead. After a coin toss, the students argue either for preserving the Constitution or advocating for its abolition—an exercise that not only tests their debating skills but also challenges the audience to consider their own beliefs.
Khalid reflects on the nuanced nature of constitutional rights, stating, “The question is simple, but the answer is not straightforward. The Constitution explicitly states some rights while leaving others implicit.” This sentiment underscores the ongoing dialogue about the Constitution’s relevance in contemporary society.
What: What the Constitution Means to Me
When: 7:30 p.m. Oct. 31-Nov. 2; 2 p.m. Nov. 2-3
Where: Stage West Theatre, 821 W. Vickery Blvd., Fort Worth
Admission: $44-$48
Fellow cast member Ellen Reid, a junior from Austin, shares Khalid’s passion for tackling pressing issues through the medium of theatre. “I come at it with gratitude, being able to illuminate issues I often grapple with,” Reid explains. With early voting underway and Election Day approaching, the themes of the play resonate more than ever.
“It’s not just a play; it’s incredibly relevant to where we are in our history and our future,” Reid adds, reinforcing the importance of civic engagement among young people.
To enhance audience engagement, pocket-sized Constitutions are affixed to the backs of theatre seats, allowing attendees to fact-check debaters during performances. After the closing arguments, an audience member will be chosen to declare the winner, adding an interactive element to the experience.
Dana Schultes, Stage West’s executive producer, selected this production due to her concern for the state of political discourse in America. “We should be able to have joyous debates rather than getting lost in fabrications of reality,” she asserts, emphasizing the need for constructive dialogue.
Schultes believes in investing in youth voices, stating, “They are the future, and their thoughts deserve to be heard.” This production is not just a performance; it’s a call to action for the next generation to engage with the complexities of democracy.
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