In an upcoming production that promises to be both powerful and emotionally resonant, Firebox Theatre Company is gearing up to stage "A Piece of My Heart" by Shirley Lauro at The Graham, their intimate 65-seat black box theatre in Downtown Wake Forest, NC.
This heartfelt drama, based on true accounts, delves into the stories of six courageous women who served in the Vietnam War: four nurses, an intelligence officer, and a country western singer, each on her unique journey from recruitment to Vietnam and, ultimately, to a visit to the memorial wall in Washington, D.C. As they return home, the play also explores their challenging acclimation to civilian life and their resolute attempts to resume the lives they once knew, painting a poignant portrait of their post-war struggles and triumphs.
“We wanted to balance the season out with more opportunities for women, but this play is so much more,” says Tim Artz, Co-Founder of Firebox Theatre Company. “It’s as though Shirley Lauro wanted to represent every woman a man has ever known. Somehow, having women in Vietnam made the end of the war a little more comforting and the insanity a little more human.”
The play addresses the challenges faced by women in a male-dominated environment during the war, a theme that remains relevant and relatable to contemporary audiences. "Though set in an extraordinary circumstance and time, the experiences of these women are familiar to all women,” says Firebox Theatre Company Co-Founder Cora Hemphill. “Yes, times have changed, but there are many experiences that women will always share – the beautiful, the exciting, the sorrowful, and the ugly. The women represented in this play are truly courageous, strong female characters that are honest with the audience about their trials and triumphs."
Artz adds, “What I love most about these women and the play is one can say anything about the war, and the women may or may not agree, but if something is said about the men who fought, these women will stand up for the men who served in Vietnam. A bunch of mother bears protecting their cubs. It's very moving.”
The casting process prioritized talent and suitability for the roles. “Our cast was selected because they can go to these emotional depths,” says Artz. “For this play to work, they need to have the ability to keep it together and fight against their emotions, as this play touches on some hard truths. And ultimately, they have to be strong for the men. Let the audience have the payoff. It’s quite the paradox.”
Extensive research and preparation have been crucial in bringing the historical and cultural context of the Vietnam War era to life on stage. Artz notes, "I've been reading, watching, and listening to everything about this era and war since I can remember. Now, I'm learning it from a woman's point of view. It's really great working with these actresses because many of them are learning about all of it for the first time. To see their genuine responses to all of it allows Cora and I to know we chose our cast wisely.”
Artz also highlights a unique rehearsal session in which Army veteran Sergeant Roy Summers collaborated with the cast. During this session, he shared his expertise in military behavior and drills, offering valuable insights into the characters’ experiences. The entire cast was excited to gain a deeper understanding of how to accurately depict these roles.
"Having Drill Sergeant Summers come to rehearsal was truly memorable,” says Hemphill. “He taught us how to march, salute, and crawl. It was wonderful to get military movement into our bodies and to hear his stories. We are telling the true stories of actual people in this play, so, as an artist, there is a great responsibility to represent them well.”
The Firebox Theatre Company is actively engaging with the local community to ensure the authenticity of its production. Hemphill explains, "We've connected with local veteran groups and are once again partnering with Norse Brewing Company to create a special beverage to pay tribute to those who served. The community has been instrumental in assisting us in obtaining genuine Vietnam War-era clothing and items."
Artz adds, “There is a big veteran community in Wake Forest. Our goal is to tell the story to the best of our abilities. Our hope is that our audience will leave our production with a greater appreciation for these brave – and all the brave – women who have served."
Firebox Theatre Company's interpretation of "A Piece of My Heart" promises a unique experience, with Artz highlighting, "It all starts with 'The Graham.' What we have, what we don't have. Of course, the layout. And then it's instinct.” He adds, “I will say there's going to be a lot of sound coming at you. The audience will love the soundtrack. As for a connection to Janis Joplin’s hit, "A Piece of My Heart," Artz intriguingly hints, "All I'll say to that is it makes an appearance. I don't want to give too much away. You’re just going to have to come see it!"
“With a commitment to authenticity, emotional depth, and the unique storytelling that only Firebox Theatre Company can deliver, ‘A Piece of My Heart’ is set to be a powerful and memorable production,” says Jason Cannon, President of Wake Forest Business and Industry Partnership (WFBIP). “It’s exciting and also moving that Firebox has found a way to immerse the community in the complex and inspiring world of these extraordinary women who served their country during a tumultuous time in history.”
Don't miss the opportunity to experience this moving and thought-provoking play at The Graham this September. Tickets are on sale now.
