Campus Play: “Bang Bang You’re Dead”
Recently at the University of Rochester, a group of students (including some of my close friends) got together and organized the production of "Bang Bang You're Dead," a one-act play centering around gun violence on school campuses. It was an amazing opportunity to see my peers act on an issue so important in today's society.
Five students organized this entire event by getting other organizations on campus to help sponsor and advertise the event. Even before the play had begun, the organizers of this event had already united so many different student organizations including Greek organizations, gender equality organizations, and student political groups. The fact that so many different organizations were able to unite for a common concern says a lot about the community and communal nature of this medium sized university. Then students acted out an entire play. I encourage you all to watch the play live, or at least check it out on YouTube. I don't want to ruin the play by telling you what happens because it is a truly moving experience.
After the play, professors and students were invited to the front to sit on a panel for a community conversation around the issue of gun violence on school campuses. Members of this panel included students, a Reverend from the Interfaith Chapel, and professors coming from the modern languages, English, public health, history, psychology, and anthropology departments. They shared their views on violence in school and each offered various ways to make a change today. Some really stressed the importance of political activism, while others stressed that change and awareness begins with each and everyone one of us, no matter our background, race, or gender.
By the end of the play, not only had I learned a lot about the issue, but I was motivated. I think fundamentally, the simple act of being nice to the people we interact with on a daily basis goes a long way. I also think there are many different ways for students to enact change—get involved with political rallies, meet with student organizations on campus, or even raise awareness about counselors on campus. We have to do something. We have to take that first step to enact change. I encourage us all to do our best to be positive influences on our campuses, in our workplaces, and most importantly, in our communities.
Thank you to those who organized and attended the play. Thank you for positively impacting our campus.