The Florida Players is performing "Columbinus," a play about the Columbine High School shooting, this weekend at The Philips Center.
The cast enters from the back of the theatre and begins to tell the story of “Columbinus”, which depicts the Columbine Shooting in a non-traditional form.
Described as a dramatic discussion, the first act of the show portrays a stereotypical high school where the nameless students are facing issues students have and will continue to struggle with, including : religion, homosexuality, mental illness and many more. As the second act begins, two of the students become Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris, the two mass murderers from the Columbine High School shooting.
For Ryan Siegel, a UF theatre sophomore, who plays Eric Harris, researching the role was particularly intense for him.
The show, though already heavy, is intensified through its technical production. Between the audio of the 911 calls to the lighting, it allows the audience member to immerse themselves in the story line.
Julia Shack, a UF economics and theatre sophomore, who serves as Lighting Director and Assistant Production Manager for the Florida Players, said she wanted to make sure the lighting represented the show.
Despite the nature of the show, assistant director Leah Vicencio, a UF theatre sophomore, hopes the audience leaves inspired to bring more goodness into the world.
“Columbinus” runs 7:30 p.m. March 29 – March 31, and at 2 p.m. on March 30 and 31.