The September production of “columbinus” was a great success for the theatre and dance department. All 11 performances were essentially sold out, making it the biggest box office take for any show in the Balcony Theatre. It not only generated nearly $2,600 for the department, the production also served as an opportunity to discuss poignant issues of our time.

Evidence reveals events

The play examines the 1999 school shootings at Columbine High School in Littleton, Colorado, which left 12 students and one teacher dead. The shooters—Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold—also killed themselves.

Facets of the event were explored by recounting courtroom testimony by survivors and witnesses; police evidence; interviews with students, parents, teachers and community members; and, most chilling of all, excerpts from the personal journals, emails and home videos of the shooters themselves.

Post-play sessions and survey

After each Sunday matinee, talkback sessions were held to discuss the issues raised by the play and professor Mike Foster surveyed his Theatre 101 class about their overall experience of the venue, acting and design.

Dr. Chris Herr, theatre and dance’s interim department head, said both post-play activities have shown the production resonated with the campus and Springfield communities.