‘A Piece of My Heart’

  • Published
  • By Joanie Ralston and Rachel Clark
  • Contributing writers
KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany --  Showing on May 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 7:30 p.m. at Heaton Auditorium, 'A Piece of My Heart' by Shirley Lauro is the story of six women who share their experiences and tell an emotional story of wartime, before, during, and after the Vietnam War.

The production, sponsored by the Vogelweh Community Center, is being presented by the Little Black Box, which is new to the Kaiserslautern Military Community.

"I am passionate about producing this play here in Germany to our military community," said Liz Nye. "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, an concept which is just as relevant today as it was forty 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."

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."

The cast goes on to share their feelings about the play and the characters they are portraying.

"I was conflicted about doing this play because of my full-time job and the time I would need to take away from my children," said Alexa Casey, Landstuhl Regional Medical Center psychologist. "However, after I showed up for the first rehearsal and went through the script I felt driven to be a part of it. 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 7th 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, http://www.facebook.com/pages/Kaiserslautern-Germany/Black-Box-Theater/141643995905988