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Performance Fri Apr 05 2013
Columbinus at ATC Extends Its Stay
It is a rare thing when a play comes around that captures true events so poignantly that it leaves its audience speechless. The American Theater Company's production of Stephen Karam and PJ Paparelli's Columbinus is this rarity. The play retells the events of the Columbine High School shooting of April 20, 1999 using a simple set, incredible acting, and the journals and video tapes of the real-life shooters, Dylan Klebold and Eric Harris. I saw and reviewed the play two months ago, and its power has stayed with me.
It is a shame that this production will not show for longer, as I believe every person in Chicago and the world has a duty to see it and understand its message. I am thrilled that ATC has decided to extend the show through this Sunday, April 7.
No single performance of this production should be discounted in any way, but this weekend's final performances offer an even greater experience. Tom Mauser, the father of Columbine victim Daniel Mauser will attend the 2:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. performances on Saturday, April 6, as well as participate in a post-show talk back with the cast of Columbinus. Before Saturday evening's performance, ATC will co-host a reception for Mauser with the Illinois Council Against Handgun Violence, a great opportunity to confront and discuss the relevant issues of gun control facing not only Columbine, Colorado, but also the United States of America in both legislation and our personal lives.
Since the massacre, Mauser has become an advocate of anti-gun legislation, affecting important change by helping to close the loophole in the Brady Bill in Colorado, a measure that aims to keep guns out of the hands of those deemed "high risk" by running background checks on every individual that purchases a weapon. Mauser was featured in Michael Moore's film Bowling for Columbine and the documentary 13 Families. Columbinus is a heavy production all on its own, but with the added personal anecdotes and opinions of the father of a victim, Saturday's performances are sure to give appropriate gravity to the Columbine shooting.
Columbinus plays Friday through Sunday at the American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron Ave. Tickets are $38. The content is very mature and the play includes the use of strobe lights, smoke, and loud gunshot sounds.
