JCC Drama Club production aimed at stopping school violence

Jackson Community College will present a free play designed to highlight and help end school violence, called “Bang, Bang, You’re Dead,” at 8 p.m. on April 16, 17 and 18 in the Ruth Day Theatre, Potter Center. This production is a service project of students in JCC’s Drama Club.

“Bang, Bang, You’re Dead” was written by William Mastrosimone about a school shooting. The play centers around the lead character, Josh, a teen-aged boy who shoots his parents and five schoolmates and is then haunted by physical manifestations of his memories of them. It was first produced in 1999, 13 days prior to the Columbine High School massacre. It was written in the wake of school shootings Paducah, Jonesboro and Springfield to raise awareness about school violence and teasing between teen-agers in schools. It has been performed widely in the U.S. and in other countries around the world.

This production is directed by student Caryn Showerman, president of the Drama Club. It is presented free of charge, and is presented by special arrangement by icarusplays.com.

Please note: It is not suitable for children under 12 years of age.