The Dream We Were Promised: The U.S. Constitution, and the Struggle Toward Belonging

As the United States approaches its 250th anniversary, this conversation invites audiences into a public conversation reflecting on the ideas that have shaped the nation since its founding and how they continue to be interpreted today.

This event features a panel of artists, scholars, and public thinkers who will engage in dialogue about the U.S. Constitution, civic ideals, and the evolving meaning of belonging in American life. The conversation will explore how foundational principles such as liberty, rights, and participation have been understood across different historical periods and social contexts. Audience members are invited to listen, reflect, and consider how these ideas continue to shape contemporary experiences and future possibilities.

The evening is in conversation with Bill, a new theatrical work by Roger Q. Mason developed and presented as part of our 2026 New Play Development Conference (July 17 to August 2), that excavates U.S. Constitutional history and asks who was intentionally excluded from the founding vision of “We, the People.”