CTA's A Piece of My Heart sheds light on women's role in Vietnam

Steele (Judith Annozine), Whitney (Jessica Heley '02) and Martha (Megan Auster-Rosen '02) in a scene from the poignant drama A Piece of My Heart, playing at the Cornell Center for Theatre Arts Oct. 18-29. Call 254-ARTS for tickets and information. Robert Barker/University Photography

Many Americans may not realize that 11,000 American military women were stationed in Vietnam during the war. They also may not know that many were wounded and eight were killed. The Cornell Center for Theatre Arts will be presenting a theater-in-the-round play that tells the story of these brave women Oct. 18-29 in the Class of '56 Flexible Theatre.

The play, A Piece of My Heart, written by Shirley Lauro, is based on Keith Walker's book, A Piece of My Heart, the Stories of 26 American Women Who Served in Vietnam. The play is a poignant drama that combines stories and songs to tell the struggle of six women's lives during and after the war.

"The play is a theatrical presentation of actual experiences and dialogue," said director Stephen Cole, associate professor of acting. "These 19-year-old boys and girls went to places today's college students don't know anything about. It's such a luxury to live in peace. I want the audience to recognize what these heroic women experienced."

A Piece of My Heart features the talents of six actresses and one actor. A guest artist will play the role of Steele. Judith Annozine is a New York City actress who recently appeared in The Threepenny Opera and regionally at the Williamstown Theatre Festival, Hilberry Repertory Company and the Walnut Street Theatre. Five undergraduate actresses fill the challenging roles of Martha (Megan Auster-Rosen '02), Maryjo (Shira Golding '02), Sissy (Julia McDonald '03), Whitney (Jessica Heley '02) and LeeAnn (Annie Hsu '01). The men's roles will be played by A.J. Ferriter '01.

The show has two Advanced Undergraduate Theatre Program students working as designers: Melissa Vaccaro '01 as the costume designer and Nathan Blanding '01 as co-lighting designer. Resident professionals Warren Cross (sound) and Kent Goetz (set/lighting) round out the design team.

According to the Vietnam Women's Memorial Project, many Vietnam women veterans have never told their friends, colleagues or loved ones about their tour of duty in Vietnam. Following the Oct. 26 performance, a special panel has been arranged to present their opinions and insights on the issues surrounding the play. Panel members will include: Paul Sawyer, Cornell professor of English; Carl Steckler, Cornell physics teaching support specialist and Vietnam Marine; and the student actresses. Director Cole will moderate the discussion.

A Piece of My Heart opens Oct. 18 at 8 p.m. Evening performances continue Oct. 19-22 and 25-28 at 8. Afternoon matinees will be offered Oct. 22, 28 and 29 at 2. Tickets are $7 for students and seniors and $9 for the public.

For tickets or information, call or visit the box office in the Center for Theatre Arts, 430 College Ave., 12:30-5:30 p.m., weekdays; phone, 254-ARTS.