BIGFORK — It’s been a goal from the start for Bigfork’s Edge Center for the Arts to include shows that get people talking.
Patricia Feld, the center’s artistic director, told Area Voices on the KAXE Morning Show, “The reason to do edgy performances is to help our audience grow.”
What the Constitution Means to Me was performed in Duluth earlier this year, and Feld has been intrigued by the show since it was first performed on Broadway.
Written by Heidi Schreck, it tells her story of growing up and participating in debates regarding the U.S. Constitution when she was a teenager to pay for her college tuition. It also tackles topics like women’s rights, immigration, domestic abuse and the history of the United States.
“It's funny. It's powerful. It's very human,” Feld said.
Feld was originally interested in the play as a performer, and then possibly as a director. Circumstances didn’t allow that to happen, but her son let her know about the show being performed in Duluth by Kendra Carlson.
Feld asked Carlson if they would be interested in taking the show on the road to Bigfork, and Carlson said yes.
In the play, the main character goes back and forth as a fifteen-year-old and as an adult. At the end of the show, a teen debater comes on to participate in a live debate with the onstage performer. Feld said the Edge Center will be handing out pocket size Constitutions at the end as well.
Feld felt it was the right time for a show like this with the 250th birthday of the United States of America happening this year. She also believes it will lead to good conversations for the community.
There will be two performances with the first one at 7 p.m. on Sept. 12, and the other at 2 p.m. on Sept. 13. Tickets are available at the door and on the Edge Center for the Arts website.
Tell us about upcoming arts events where you live in Northern Minnesota by emailing psa@kaxe.org.
Area Voices is made possible by the Minnesota Arts and Cultural Heritage Fund and the citizens of Minnesota.
