With an eye on history as well as more recent events at Virginia Tech University and other campuses, the Gustavus Adolphus College Department of Theatre and Dance will present columbinus Oct. 25-28. Written by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli, and directed by Assistant Professor of Theatre and Dance Henry MacCarthy, columbinus is based on the tragic events of April 20, 1999 at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colo.
Described as a “theatrical discussion” by the playrights, columbinus presents a snapshot of American youth culture. Combining original interviews and transcripts drawn from the Columbine massacre, while dissecting the cultural pathologies that might have led to the tragedy, columbinus is a testament to the relevance of the contemporary theatre and an urgent call for self-reflectivity and dialogue.
Columbinus is as emotionally powerful as it is exhausting. It evokes pain and trauma. Throughout the play, Karam and Paparelli expose the culture and interaction of American youth and the emotions and psyche of two young men and their victims. The writers force a discussion of how people treat each other and why they do so within the context of the statement that “no one should ever feel this alone again.”
Performances will be held in the Evan and Evelyn Anderson Theatre, located in the Schaefer Fine Arts Center, at 8 p.m. Oct. 25-27 and at 2 p.m. Oct. 28. Tickets for the play are on sale now through the Gustavus Ticket Center (507/933-7590). Prices are $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and non-Gustavus students, and free for Gustavus students and employees.
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