with their eyes

Tuesday, Sept. 11, started off like any other day at New York City’s Stuyvesant High School, located only a few blocks away from the World Trade Center. The semester was just beginning, and the students, faculty, and staff were ready to start a new year. But within a few hours on that Tuesday morning, they would share an experience that would transform their lives—and the lives of all Americans.

A deeply moving play remembering Sept. 11, 2001, written by high school students who witnessed the tragedy unfold, with their eyes remembers those who were lost and those who were forced to witness this tragedy. Here, in their own words, are the firsthand stories of a day we will never forget.

Both the live performances and the video-on-demand are donate-what-you-can with all proceeds going to local first responders. Along the checkout path, you will see a page for Donations.

Two ways to see with their eyes

In-person: 8:46 AM & 2:00 PM, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021

Video-on-Demand: Available beginning at 7:00 PM, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, through midnight, Monday, Sept. 13, 2021

Video-on-demand (VOD) guidance

  • When you order VOD, you will receive a link in the Your Confirmation email that comes from djacobson@dmplayhouse.com. (Check your junk/spam folder as it sometimes ends up there.) Once you start viewing you have 24 hours to complete the video.
  • The video can be cast to your smart TV if your TV can accept casting. (The newer models do.) Or if you have ROKU or Chromecast, they too can accept your casting.
  • There are three cameras in The Playhouse’s John Viars Theatre. While there are some varied angles, there are no movie/Hamilton on Disney+ close-ups. This is not a film; it is a recording of a live theatre production.

Please note: The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such we are monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which we are subject. Based on CDC and state guidelines at the time of your event, protocols may include mask enforcement, social distancing, or more. Volunteers and guests who do not comply with Playhouse policies will not be admitted and guest tickets will be refunded. Click here to download our full safety guide updated Aug. 31, 2021.

Our safety guide has been updated and reflects these main changes.

  1. Masks are required for performances of Cabaret and with their eyes and during classes regardless of vaccine status. Volunteers and guests who do not comply will not be admitted and tickets or tuition will be refunded.
  2. The Playhouse will seat at full capacity if demand warrants.
  3. The Playhouse will make adjustments where possible at the time of the performance for those who prefer greater seating distance from other guests.
Sponsored by
Presented by

David R. & Barbara Kilpatrick

Performance Times:
8:46 AM & 2:00 PM, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021
School Matinees:
School matinees available through video-on-demand only.
Theatre:
Special Events
Run Time:
2 hours including 15-minute intermission
Content Advisory:
This show includes loss and trauma and contains some strong language.

In the News

City of Des Moines, Oct. 27, 2021

Company

  • Jack Andersen

  • Anna Briggeman

  • Lily Briggeman

  • Ryan Henzi

  • Kylie Jorgensen

  • Emma Malmberg

  • Gus McEntaffer

  • Sergio E. Puente

  • Claire Riesberg

  • Elyse Shaw

  • Caethen Stocker

  • Addison Tullis

  • Gennie Weis

  • Catie Wilwerding

  • Director

    Nate Jorgensen

    Director
  • Stage Manager

    Jenna Darsee

    Stage Manager
  • Dramaturg / Projections Designer

    David Van Cleave

    Dramaturg / Projections Designer

Photos/Video

  • with their eyes cast: (front row) Jack Andersen, Emma Malmberg, Caethen Stocken, Kylie Jorgensen, Claire Riesberg; (middle row) Addison Tullis, Anna Briggeman, Lily Briggeman, Gus McEntaffer, Elyse Shaw; (back row) Ryan Henzi, Catie Wilwerding, Genevieve Wies, Sergio Puente. with their eyes: September 11th: The View from a High School at Ground Zero, is Sept. 11, 2021, at The Des Moines Playhouse. Photo by Brandon.

    Download Photo

Press Release

Des Moines Playhouse Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kill Date: Sept. 11, 2021
Subject: The Des Moines Playhouse Presents with their eyes: September 11th: The View from a High School at Ground Zero
Contact: Lee Ann Bakros, Playhouse Marketing & Public Relations Director, 515-974-5358

The Des Moines Playhouse, now in its 103rd season, presents a special production of with their eyes: September 11th: The View from a High School at Ground Zero on Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021. Performances are 8:46 AM and 2:00 PM. The performances will be recorded and made available as video-on-demand (VOD) for the public at 7:00 PM, Saturday, Sept. 11. VOD will also be made available to middle and high schools. Tickets and VOD are donate-what-you-can and are available through The Playhouse ticket office online at dmplayhouse.com and by phone at 515.277.6261. All ticket proceeds will be donated to local first responders.

Tuesday, Sept. 11, 2001, started off like any other day at New York City’s Stuyvesant High School, located only a few blocks away from the World Trade Center. The semester was just beginning, and the students, faculty, and staff were ready to start a new year. But within a few hours on that Tuesday morning, they would share an experience that would transform their lives – and the lives of all Americans.

A deeply moving play remembering Sept. 11, 2001, written by high school students who witnessed the tragedy unfold, with their eyes recalls those who were lost and those who were forced to witness the tragedy. Here, in their own words, are the firsthand stories of a day America will never forget. This show includes loss and trauma and contains some strong language.

with their eyes is presented as readers theatre. In readers theatre, the actors use only their vocal expression with no costumes, props, scenery, or other theatrical elements. The Playhouse cast includes Jack Andersen, Anna Briggeman, Lily Briggeman, Ryan Henzi, Kylie Jorgensen, Emma Malmberg, Gus McEntaffer, Sergio Puente, Claire Riesberg, Elyse Shaw, Caethen Stocker, Addie Tullis, Genevieve Wies, and Catie Wilwerding. with their eyes is directed by Nate Jorgensen with dramaturgy by David A. VanCleave and stage management by Jenna Darsee.

The Playhouse remains committed to providing a healthy and safe environment for volunteers and guests and as such is monitoring the current recommendations, guidelines, and restrictions to which the theatre is subject. Based on CDC and state guidelines on Sept. 11, protocols may include mask enforcement, social distancing, or more. Volunteers and guests who do not comply with Playhouse policies will not be admitted and guest tickets will be refunded.

The Playhouse vision, as Iowa's largest producing theatre, is to be a vital part of a collaborative, energized, and engaged community that values art in its culture, particularly because of the contributions of high-quality avocational, educational, and entertaining theatre experiences. Located at the 42nd Street exit of I-235, the theatre has presented a full season of shows since 1919 and also offers a wide variety of educational experiences including classes for ages 4 to adult, theatre trips to New York, and volunteer opportunities onstage and backstage.

For more information on with their eyes and The Playhouse, visit dmplayhouse.com or call 515.277.6261.

with their eyes: September 11th: The View from a High School at Ground Zero
Performances: Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021, 8:46 AM & 2:00 PM
Tickets are donate-what-you-can with all proceeds donated to local first responders.
To purchase: Dmplayhouse.com, 515.277.6261, or Des Moines Playhouse ticket office, 831 42nd St, Des Moines, IA 50312

with their eyes: September 11th: The View from a High School at Ground Zero
Video-on-demand (VOD) is available at 7:00 PM, Saturday, Sept. 11, 2021.
VOD is donate-what-you-can with all proceeds donated to local first responders.
VOD is also available to middle and high schools by contacting Robin Spahr, education registrar, 515.974.5365.

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Show Credits

Adapted from WITH THEIR EYES. © 2002 by Annie Thoms (on introduction and editing), Taresh Batra, Anna Belc, Marcel Briones, Catherine Choy, Tim Drinan, Ilena George, Shanleigh Jalea, Lindsay Long-Waldor, Liz O’Callahan, Chantelle Smith, Michael Vogel, Carlos Williams, Christopher M. Yee & New York (City) Board of Education (on text). Used by permission of HarperCollins Publishers.