Students Confront Gun Violence Through One Way They Know How — Theater
Ask Students: Who does gun violence affect on a daily basis? Where did performances take place? Why is this topic so important to students?
Summary
In 2021, more than 1,500 children and teenagers in the United States were killed by gunfire. Activists across the country are working to shed light on that issue through a series of plays written and performed by young adults, many of whom have had direct experience with gun violence. “It’s a part of life that you never want to face, but it’s also one that you can’t act as if it’s not there. Ignorance isn’t bliss when you’re talking about this subject. Information, knowledge, that’s the power,” said student actor Bryan Roberson Jr. For a transcript of the video, click here.
Discussion Questions
- Who does gun violence affect on a daily basis?
- What are those interviewed in this piece doing to confront the trauma of gun violence?
- When and Where did the performances mentioned here take place?
- Why is this topic so important to students?
- How can students get their voices heard in other ways?
Focus Questions
- If you were in control, how would you attempt to put a stop to gun violence?
- Media Literacy: How else can media and art bring more attention to real world problems?
See More From the Performance Below
Additional Resources
PBS NewsHour Classroom helps teachers and students identify the who, what, where and why-it-matters of the major national and international news stories.
