Benjamin Franklin suggested the definition of a Democracy was two wolves and a lamb arguing over what's for dinner! So if he distrusted Democracy, what was the form of government the Founding Fathers were pursuing?
'Constitutional Republic' anyone?! |
"Pimp My Constitution" is ready for re-production. If interested, let us know ASAP.
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This isn’t the whole enchilada, of course. In trying to tell America’s story through the eyes of one of our major founding documents, we have necessarily left out entire swaths of important historical events. How else to look at this grand sweep of history in 55 minutes? But, like the castaways on Gilligan’s Island, what started for us as a 3-hour tour has turned into a voluntary shipwreck. When we saw what has happened to our Constitution over the last 200 plus years, we were at first shocked, then saddened, then depressed almost to the point of giving up. Then, something happened. Perhaps you will see, as we did, hope in the face of depravity, enlightenment in the darkness of the halls of power, and redemption in the unforgivable acts of the “men who would be king”. But we wonder, will you see the world as did Hamilton, who believed that a strong central government was necessary to control your life and those of your children’s children’s children, or will you find yourself in the Jefferson camp, convinced that the earth belongs to the living? We invite you to judge for yourself, for that is perhaps, the most “American” of values. Steve Washer |
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Larry Hunt Co-Writer Co-Director |
Our Experience offered to you. |
Steven Washer Co-Writer Co-Director |
As requested by Eastern Connecticut State University in Willimantic, Connecticut, for Constitution Day of 2006, Steve and Larry researched, wrote and designed a presentation involving the Constitution as the main character. This production was not intended to just wave the parchment as a great concept and be done with it. It was approached in terms of its concepts, intentions, uses, misuses, shredding or simply ignoring of the tenents proposed those several years ago. Understanding our history in human terms, both bad and good, instead of just dates, allows clearer perspectives and responsibilities for us all. |
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Articles of Confederation
Preamble to the Constitution
”Democracy in America”
Three branches
Alien Friends Act of 1798
Sedition Act
Marbury vs. Madison
Executive Orders
Jackson and Trail of Tears
Dred Scott case
Conscription Act
1st, 13th, 14th, 15th, 16th, 17th, 18th amendment
Espionage act 1917
House UnAmerican ...
McCarran Internal Security
Communist Control Act
Tonkin Gulf Incident |
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New word -- "Sovereign" |
Some of the topics touched upon.
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"We the People...?" |
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Articles of Confederation--"Huzzah!" |
Dred Scott |
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One of three branches. |
Some of the People of influence in the production: Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Madison, deTocqueville, John Adams, John Taylor, Sentor Richard Goodloe, Sen. John Allen, Sec. of State Pickering, John Marshall, Andrew Jackson, Chief Justice Taney, General Burnside, Abraham Lincoln, Congressman Sereno E. Payne, Sen. Edwin Webb, Sen. Lee Overman, Pres.Wilson, Attorney General Gregory, Rev. Clarence Waldron, Robert Goldstein, Eugene Debs, Congressman Dies, General DeWitt, Eleanor Roosevelt, Judge Jerome Frank, Congressman Leland Ford, Attorney General Biddle, Jusice Willia O. Douglas, Judge Patel, President Truman, Herb Block, President Johnson, Senator Thomas Dodd, Henry Steele Commager, We the People.
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The Supremes |
When students were first asked about coming to the play, often the response was "A play on that dull, boring topic?"
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IT'S NOT DULL ! |
IT'S NOT BORING ! |
IT'S VITAL !!
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The Constitution provides for Discussion and Debate from all perspectives. |
The Constitution is Active. Transitions are presented through music of the times.
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The Charleston and Prohibition. |
Swingin' into the 40's. |
Issues Revisited
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Woman's right to vote? "Yer Out !" at least for 50 years after men. |
"Pimp My Constitution" has had two lives; First with Eastern Connecticut State University and second with Naugatuck Valley College in Waterbury, Connecticut. It awaits the third manifestation!
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Eastern University's Cast
Michelle Chesner
Kirk Devezan
Alana Falanga
Scott Kegler
Kaitlyn Kociela
Emma Orlund
Philip Trostler
Adam Wurtzel
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Naugatuck Valley College Cast
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Dante Charlton
Nereida Dobson
Fredrick Doms
Liliana Hernandez
Christopher Lafferty
Naomi Lee
Timothy Lee
Maya Riether |
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