The Piedmont University Theatre Department will continue its 2023-2024 Mainstage season in February with "A Piece of My Heart."
The production reveals the true story of six women sent to Vietnam during the Vietnam War and their struggle to make sense of the conflict. The play explores the significant moments in each woman's journey before and during their service, as well as their struggle to return to civilian life and reconcile their need to serve humanity with the horrors they experienced during the war.
"A Piece of My Heart" will be performed February 15-17 at 7:30 PM and February 18 at 2:00 PM in the Black Box Theatre at the Swanson Center for Performing Arts & Communications in Demorest.
Production director Kathy Blandin noted the plot’s impact in a press release.
"Of the 58,000 names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, only eight of them are women,” Blandin said. “From these numbers, it would be natural to assume that women didn't play a significant part in the Vietnam War. However, 11,000 women WILLINGLY served in Vietnam as nurses, Army officers, Red Cross volunteers, and USO entertainers. As we approach the 50th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War, we must tell the stories of EVERYONE who served their country by going to Vietnam."
Piedmont University Junior Hunter Reum serves as the production's assistant director, and Piedmont Junior Gabriel Richman serves as its stage manager.
Performers in leading roles are as follows:
Dakota Rose Chen, in the role of Leeann
Gracie Tipton, in the role of MaryJo
Sof Delgado, in the role of Martha
Haylie Collins, in the role of Sissy
Athena Lux, in the role of Whitney
Delyna Fuller, in the role of Steele
"A Piece of My Heart" will also feature ensemble performances by Tyler Pellegrino, Brayden Saxon, Tucker Cochran, and Joshua Farmer.
General admission is $10 for adults and $5 for seniors and students. Admission is free for Piedmont University faculty, staff, and students. Tickets may be purchased online at piedmont.edu/tickets or by calling the box office at 706-778-8500 x1355.
A release reminded patrons that the production features strong language and graphic descriptions of war violence and advises patrons to view at their own discretion.
