Why "The Heidi Chronicles?" Director's Notes from the Upper School Fall Play

Why "The Heidi Chronicles?" Why perform a play about women that ends its narrative thread in 1989? Why choose a play that would be difficult to put into context for today’s young people? Why a play that references obscure cultural touchpoints starting in 1965? The Heidi Chronicles hits on the Kennedys, Noam Chomsky, Art History, the Junior League, Eugene McCarthy, and is considered intellectually elite. There’s even a joke about The Canterbury Tales. All of this does not point to a play that would typically capture the teenage imagination. However, teenagers of today are taking ownership of their viewpoints through a renewed sense of activism.

It was The Women’s March in January of 2017 that originally had us considering "The Heidi Chronicles" as our fall production. Indian Creek students witnessed an historic movement first-hand and had strong opinions representing a wide range of perspectives. We wanted to channel this energy into something tangible that would ignite further study and conversation. This generation of young people have only experienced or known “Third Wave” feminism. They seemed to know little of the first - although history classes have helped - but even less of the second. The Heidi Chronicles hits this mark.

Throughout the play, we follow Heidi Holland through the three decades which make up Second Wave Feminism. Rock n’ Roll, drugs, art, politics, the sexual revolution, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, careers v. families - not much goes unaddressed in this play. It’s been an incredible history lesson for all of us.

The Indian Creek Upper School cast has been diligently working on this production since last spring. They researched American history in order to understand the context of the work, and learned the play inside and out over the summer. They began rehearsals in mid-August. This group of teens has been coming to school an hour early to rehearse every day since school day number two. They have graciously given and received critiques from one another - and the directors of course. It has been a fabulous experience. This production has proved yet again that students, when deeply invested, will work hard to reach great heights. We are exceedingly proud of them - and we look forward to sharing the product of their incredible work with you this weekend.

Peter Patrone, one of the play's characters played by junior Will Morrissey, has a great line in the play. He says, “…In our world, our friends are our family.” The cast of Indian Creek Upper School's "The Heidi Chronicles" has come together as friends and family to create an excellent theater experience for you. We look forward to welcoming you into this family this weekend. 

"The Heidi Chronicles" will be performed this weekend at The Jack and Nancy Becker Center for the Performing Arts at Indian Creek School. Click here to purchase your tickets.
Special Event: Friday, November 10, 6:00 p.m.
Saturday, November 11, at 7:00 p.m.
Sunday, November 12, at 3:00 p.m.
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Indian Creek school is a co-educational, college preparatory independent school, located in Crownsville, Maryland.  Students in Pre-K3 through grade 12 receive a vibrant educational experience based on excellent academics steeped in strong student-teacher connections.