Season opener: K-State Theatre's 'columbinus' explores high school tragedy
Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013
MANHATTAN -- Kansas State University's 2013-2014 K-State Theatre season will open with "columbinus," a hard-hitting play by Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 10-12 and 17-19 and 2:30 p.m. Oct. 20 in the newly named Mark A. Chapman Theatre in Nichols Hall.
More than 14 years have passed since the tragic events of the Columbine High School shooting, but the aftershock still resonates today. "Columbinus" explores the dark recesses of American adolescence, including bullying, alienation, hostility and social pressure in high schools.
Jennifer Vellenga, assistant professor of theatre, will direct "columbinus." Set design is by Kathy Voecks, associate professor of theatre; costume design is by Dana Pinkston, associate professor of theatre and head of costume design; and lighting and projection design is by Greg Purnell, guest artist.
"In such tragedies, we turn inward to protect our own, or we turn outward to rally and debate differing sides of political issues, hoping to change the future," Vellenga said. "Theatre provides a place for communal consideration, allowing strangers to exist quietly in the same space without the pressure to respond to political and philosophical questions."
Tickets are $14 for the general public, $12 for seniors and military, and $9 for students, plus applicable taxes and fees. They can be purchased in person at the McCain Auditorium box office from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, or by phone at 785-532-6428. Tickets also may be purchased online at http://www.k-state.edu/theatre. Fees will apply to phone and online orders. Groups of 10 or more may receive a discount rate. For more information or assistance in planning a theatre party, contact Marci Maullar at 785-532-6878.
Students in the cast and crew for "columbinus" include:
Eric Lutz, senior in kinesiology, Derby, as Jock; Hannah Miller, junior in theatre performance, Gardner, as Faith; David Burdett, senior in theatre, Larned, as Dylan Klebold/Lones.
From Manhattan: Isabella Alonso, senior in theatre, as Perfect; Chelsey Eimer, master's student in public administration, sound design; and Diana Watts, senior in theatre, voice-overs.
Joey Boos, senior in theatre performance, Salina, as Prep; Tyler Hamilton, senior in theatre, Topeka, stage manager; and Clay Massingill, freshman in theatre, Wamego, as Eric Harris/ Freak.
From out of state: Joshua Turay, senior in philosophy, Carrollton, Texas, as AP; and Nicole Casonhua, sophomore in theatre, Southlake, Texas, as Rebel.
