Reviewer: Lisa Purchase
Venue: Malcolm Field Theatre
Saginaw Valley State University is tackling columbinus, a stark retelling of the April 1999 Columbine school shooting that forever changed America. This is an impossible thing to represent, but Peggy Mead-Finizio’s production and a careful script manage to thread the needle and create something that feels like a complicated conversation with the audience. When the play ended, everyone just sat and looked at the stage, and the names written on the blackboard. There was no curtain call, no bows. Nobody jumped up to exit. The stunned silence was a fitting tribute and reaction to what had unfolded on the stage over the past couple hours.
Against the backdrop of a fluid set designed by Jerry Dennis and dynamic lighting by Alex Dubowski, the ensemble cast brings the characters to life with raw authenticity. Courtney Kelly’s costumes effectively distinguish the various characters, reinforcing their individual identities and struggles. From the jock to the rebel, each archetype is
imbued with nuance and depth, shedding light on the insecurities and vulnerabilities that lie beneath the surface. Written by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli, the play skillfully transitions from the general to the specific, moving from archetypal high school personas to the real individuals involved in the Columbine massacre.
Eric Durette and Trent Bergman deliver standout performances as Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold, capturing the chilling allure of two young men on the brink of violence. Their interactions with the rest of the cast are electric, highlighting the complex dynamics at play within the high school ecosystem. Isabel Losa, Scout McCullough, Alex Dubowski, Lucas Whitlock, Lliam Hamilton-Kraft, and Paige Tuckerman round out the ensemble with equally compelling portrayals, adding layers of complexity to their respective characters.
As the play unfolds, the audience is drawn deeper into the lives of the characters, their hopes and fears laid bare for all to see. Brief moments of levity are interspersed with gut-wrenching revelations, culminating in a sense of profound unease as the inevitable climax approaches. The absence of a curtain call at the end of the performance serves as a poignant reminder of the lives lost and the scars left behind by the events of that fateful day.
In the aftermath of the Columbine shooting, there has been much controversy and useless blaming, with questions raised about the role of parents, schools, and society at large. columbinus deftly navigates these complex issues, prompting reflection and introspection rather than resorting to simplistic explanations or sensationalism.
Peggy Mead-Finizio has provided workshops and outreach to high school who will attend a performance of columbinus, and well as counseling and a specialized rehearsal process for the actors involved in this emotional show.
columbinus is a thought-provoking exploration of tragedy, adolescence, and the human condition. Through its powerful performances and evocative storytelling, it challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths and engage in meaningful dialogue about the issues that continue to plague our society. Performances run from April 10th to 14th, with showtimes as follows:
- Wednesday through Saturday @ 7:30pm
- Sunday @ 3pm
Tickets are available for $15 and can be purchased at the door or online at https:// www.etix.com/ticket/v/27468/svsuperforming-arts-center