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“A Piece of My Heart,” the story of six women who share their experiences of wartime before, during and after the Vietnam War by Shirley Lauro, shows at 7:30 p.m. today and Saturday, and May 20 and 21 at Heaton Auditorium.
The production, sponsored by the Vogelweh Community Center, is being presented by the Little Black Box, which is new to the KMC.
“I am passionate about producing this play here in Germany to our military community,” said Liz Nye, play director. “It is important to demonstrate that war is not really about politics or government but about people. This play is sympathetic to those who serve their country and protect its citizens only to be ostracized when they return, a concept which is just as relevant today as it was 40 years ago.
“Even more, it is the highly personal story of young women, the challenges that face them, and the ways in which they are forever changed by a shared experience, each one leaving behind something she can never get back,” she continued.
The cast is made up of both novice and experienced actors all of whom have had some emotional reactions to the play.
“Having read bits and pieces I knew right away that this would be one of the most important shows of my community theater career,” said Joanie Ralston, 21st Theater Sustainment Command staff judge advocate assistant. “I am so glad I have had the honor of being a part of something so profound, so moving, something more beautiful than words can express.”
Alexa Casey, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center psychologist, said she was conflicted about doing the play because of her full-time job and the time I would require her to take away from her children.
“However, after I showed up for the first rehearsal and went through the script, I felt driven to be a part of it,” she said. “These characters (as well as
men and women who are serving our country today) have a timeless message to share with us — all we need to do is to listen and be willing to be present while they explain something we have since forgotten, which is that we need each other and that we are all in this together, and we cannot forget — ever. To be part of sharing this message is an honor.”
Come ready to leave behind a piece of yourself, because “A Piece of My Heart” is a life-changing theatrical experience.
“I am trying my best to honor the heartbreaking memories of the people who both volunteered and those who were forced to go because of the draft,” said Stacie Graves-deLeon, Ramstein Middle School seventh-grade teacher. “They did what they were asked to do by our leaders and they were disrespected at a time when they should have been welcomed home by loving, open arms.”
Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for students, and free to Fisher House residents and wounded warriors.
For more details on upcoming productions from Little Black box, visit, www.facebook.com/pages/Kaiserslautern-Germany/Black-Box-Theater/141643995905988.
