By Jordan Nickels | Theater is a constant reflection of the United States. Unfortunately, we live during a time in this country where gun violence is rapid and too frequent, which changes the narrative. Which begs the question, how do we handle such a topic on stage?

Many contemporary plays have risen about gun violence and gun related crimes in the last decade, including FST’s recent productions of brownsville song (b-side for tray) by Kimber Lee and The Exonerated by Jessica Blank and Erik Jensen . This article from The New York Times examines these plays and how they tackle this topic on Broadway and beyond. How do we present the turmoil and grief associated with gun violence, and how can the power of theater drive change in this country on the issue?