Square One Theatre Takes DRIVING MISS DAISY to Stratford High School
Playwright Alfred Uhry's play deals with the relationship between an elderly Jewish woman (Daisy) and her African-American chauffeur (Hoke). The thematic importance of Driving Miss Daisy lies in the impact on the characters of historical events during the years from 1948 to 1973, which include some of the most important developments in the civil rights movement.
Director Tom Holehan adapted the play to fit the length of the student class periods. Based on the real-life relationship between Uhry's grandmother and her chauffeur, the play was made into a movie in 1989. Uhry wrote the screenplay, which won the Oscar for best adaptation from another medium.
This is the twelfth year Square One Theater has taken a stage production into the Stratford Schools. Earlier this year, Square One Theatre presented Irena's Vow. For each production, Square One provides study guides for the teachers to use in the classrooms and invites the students and faculty to participate in post-performance discussions with the actors and the director. These educational programs are subsidized by People's United Bank. In 2005, Square One Theatre received "The Friend of Education" Award from the Stratford Board of Education for its work with the schools.