The Hawai‘i premiere of the award-winning play “What the Constitution Means to Me” by Heidi Schreck captivated audiences at Mānoa Valley Theatre. The play’s unique structure merges personal storytelling with political commentary, leaving audiences reflecting on the role the Constitution plays in shaping our lives, especially for women.
The cast featured talented performers, including Melinda Moore, Punahou’s director of theatre, and Ava Zoto, a member of the Punahou Class of 2028. Their dual performances were particularly moving, with Moore’s mentorship of Zoto adding an extra layer of depth to their chemistry on stage.
Moore, who has taught Zoto in theatre, shared the stage with her young student, creating a beautiful parallel of experience and growth.
A special performance was hosted on Jan. 22 by the Mark and Janie Davis Family Foundation and the Davis Democracy Initiative at Punahou School. This private event included a pre-show reception, followed by the production, and concluded with a post-show discussion moderated by Punahou President Michael E. Latham ’86.
– By Robert Gelber ’92

Punahou’s Director of Theatre Melinda Moore and Ava Zoto ’28 put on exceptional performances, made all-the-more special by the depth of their mentor-student relationship.
