Programs for Veterans, Service Members and Military Families to Benefit from Production Kicking-off Sept. 8
Press Release – NEW YORK (Aug. 28, 2017) – Kicking off Sept. 8 and running through Sept. 30, Shirley Lauro’s A Piece of My Heart will shine a light on the stories of the women who served in the Vietnam War. A production by Little Spoon, Big Spoon, 20 percent of ticket sales will benefit Hope For The Warriors, a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for veterans, service members and military families.
A Piece of My Heart is based on true stories explored in Keith Walker’s book of the same name. The play follows six young military and civilian women who serve their country in Vietnam. Spanning twenty years, following them before, during, and after the war, their true stories call up a tumultuous era that changed America and them forever. A powerful, heartfelt play with striking resonance to issues of today.
Approximately 11,000 American military women were stationed in Vietnam during the war. Ninety percent were nurses. Others served as physicians, physical therapists and personnel in the medical field, air traffic control, military intelligence, administration and in many other capacities. An unknown number of civilian women also served in Vietnam as news correspondents and workers for the Red Cross, the USO, Special Services, the American Friends Service Committee, Catholic Relief Services and other humanitarian organizations.
“For years, women have played a huge role in the U.S. military but don’t always receive the recognition they deserve,” said Robin Kelleher, co-founder and CEO for Hope For The Warriors. “We applaud Shirley Lauro and Little Spoon, Big Spoon Productions for recognizing and honoring the women who served during the Vietnam War and for spurring the conversation about women’s roles in the military today. Additionally, it’s an honor for Hope For The Warriors’ programs to benefit from these powerful stories being shared on stage.”
Directed by Reesa Graham, A Piece of My Heart will begin performances on Friday, September 8 and run through Saturday, September 30 at the IATI Theater at 64 East 4th Street. Single tickets are on sale now for $28, and can be accessed by visiting lsbsapieceofmyheart.bpt.me.
“While the play takes place nearly 50 years ago, the parallels to our current society and political climate our profound,” said Little Spoon, Big Spoon co-Founder Chelsea J. Smith. “Subjects such as race, rape in the military, drug use, PTSD, effects of chemical warfare, and accountability are all tackled.”
“Through the horrors of warfare, these women form an unbreakable bond which underscore the brotherhood in our military,” Little Spoon, Big Spoon co-Founder Randa Karambelas added. “It is a story about humanity.”
A Piece of My Heart Ticket and Performance Information:
Tickets for performances can be purchased by visiting lsbsapieceofmyheart.bpt.me. Single tickets are $28. Performance dates and times: Sept. 8, 11, 14, 15, 21, 22, 27, 28, 29 at 7:30 pm; Sept. 9, 23 at 7 p.m.; Sept. 10, 16, 17, 30 at 3 p.m. All performances will be presented at IATI Theater (64 East 4th Street).
For more information on Hope For The Warriors, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.
About Hope For The Warriors:
Founded in 2006, Hope For The Warriors is a national nonprofit dedicated to restoring a sense of self, family and hope for post 9/11 veterans, service members and military families. Since its inception, Hope For The Warriors has served more than 13,000 through a variety of support programs focused on transition, health and wellness, peer engagement and connections to community resources. The nonprofit’s first program, A Warrior’s Wish, has granted 167 wishes to fulfill a desire for a better quality of life or support a quest for gratifying endeavors. In addition, Run For The Warriors has captured the hearts of more than 22,000 since 2010. For more information, visit hopeforthewarriors.org, Facebook or Twitter.
About Little Spoon, Big Spoon Productions:
Producing socially conscious artistic ventures and exploring nontraditional perspectives on traditional issues, Little Spoon, Big Spoon is a production company focused on planting seeds of thought to raise social awareness and encourage compelling dialogue. Whether it be theater, TV, or film, each project partners with and supports a related non-profit organization to raise both awareness and financial support. www.littlespoonbigspoon.com.
