"We need to have a conversation about gun violence. It may be uncomfortable. It may be upsetting. It may make you cringe. But it's long past time. So let's talk. And then let's act."
This is a message from Slipstream Theatre Initiative of Ferndale to promote its gripping one woman play about school shooting. It's called "On the Exhale," and it runs for three more performances: Friday through Sunday May 17th-19th. Tickets are available at Slipstream Theatre.
Recent school violence in America convinced Slipstream Theatre Initiative of Ferndale to speed up its riveting production planned for next year, to get a conversation started right now on a crucial social issue: The Lives of Children in danger in their own schools.
Here's what Slipstream says about it's production:
"Set in a situation that could be a TED Talk or a college lecture, the play focuses on a woman whose second grade son was killed in a school shooting. Through a recounting of the event and her irrational reaction, the audience is forced to question what it takes to become a mass shooter. Instead of describing a monster than none of us could imagine being, she describes the obsession with control, power, and life that goes hand in hand with being a gun owner. She exposes the human instincts behind turning into a shooter. We soon realize that given the right set of circumstances, we are all subject to becoming the thing we most fear.
The production features Tiaja Sabrie as the grieving mother, and is directed by Slipstream Artistic Director Bailey Boudreau. Costumes are designed by Tiaja Sabrie. Set and lights are designed and executed by Slipstream Technical Director Jackson Abohasira, and the show is assistant directed by Alanna Elling. Tickets go on sale March 25th and seating is limited. This production is sponsored by Drama Kids of Oakland County.
We all know grief, in some form or another. We have all lost something dear to us. We can all relate to the pain and suffering of losing a part of ourselves, however big or small. We've all had a moment, a split-second thought about solving an issue with violence. There is no telling how someone will deal with grief, and to write any option off wholly can become part of the problem that allows these tragedies to continue to grow in number. It's time to talk about it, and it's time to act. Join Slipstream Theatre Initiative in the conversation. Portions of the proceeds of ticket sales for On the Exhale will go to the Detroit foundation Mothers of Murdered Children (MOMC), a 501c3 dedicated to providing support and other services to parents impacted by the loss of their children through violence. Slipstream will also be taking donations at the door and online for MOMC. "
The production runs Friday, April 26th through Sunday, May 19th. Shows will run Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 7pm. Tickets are $12 and available at
Slipstream Theatre or by emailing InsideTheSlipstream@gmail.com. Slipstream Theatre Initiative is located at 460 Hilton in Ferndale, MI.
