High school play tackles issue of school violence

The Maricopa High School will host its last play of the season, “Bang Bang You’re Dead” May 21 through May 23.

The play is based loosely on Kip Kinkel, who murdered his parents and several other students in 1998 in Springfield, Ore.

“We read this play last year in my English class and the students really pushed me hard perform it this year,” said Cynthia Calhoun, Maricopa High English teacher. “They thought this play presented a very important social message.”

That message is to put an end to school violence and teasing between teenagers.

The 45-minute play starts with the lead character Josh being tackled and captured by police after killing his parents and five children.

Throughout the rest of the play, Josh sits in his jail cell and must confront the ghosts of his victims, who come back to haunt him.

“These revelations show us how violence starts and how it can be prevented,” Calhoun said.

Due to its violent nature, the play is not recommended for children younger than 12.

If you go

What: Maricopa High School’s production of “Bang Bang You’re Dead”
When: 7:30 p.m. May 21-23
Where: Maricopa High’s lecture hall
Cost: $5 regular, $3 student

Photo submitted by Cynthia Calhoun