The Heidi Chronicles

A softly spoken ode to the changing face of feminism from the perspective of baby boomers, The Heidi Chronicles is an overwhelmingly honest look at how one woman's ideas on the world, on men, and on friendship and feminism evolve over time. Wendy Wasserstein's script was born from a male-dominated world. In art representation, university attendance, and of course in every power relationship imaginable, men were the dominating force. The image that lasts from early boomer feminism is that of burning their underwear, but what else could they do to make some space in such a claustrophobic world? Wasserstein brought Heidi into existence, and through her tells the story of feminism as an individual experience, one that includes her bad choices in men and reluctance to join autonomous women's communities.

Lauren Dillon plays Heidi, and gives a well balanced, artistically moving performance. She is never melodramatic and always sincere. Waylaid by larger-than-life men and women, her demure nature and honest self-expression give the story the huge heart that carries it. Sarah Aubrey must be congratulated for her fantastic embodiment of a young lesbian radical, pseudo-wise mother-to-be and an insufferable morning show host. Under Alice Livingstone's direction and the actors' prowess, Heidi's touching personal life and four decades of feminism are delivered to the audience powerfully.

New Theatre's The Heidi Chronicles is a quiet yet firmly spoken ode to women, their adaptability, difference and struggle. It's entertainingly relayed and takes life in its stride. The Heidi Chronicles is a warming and moving production.