Overview
Synopsis
Bang Bang You’re Dead is a visceral examination of the culture that can breed violence in contemporary society, and a heartbreaking introspection at the aftermath of that violence. Alone in the darkness, teenager Josh is woken by a flashlight and a voice asking, “Why me?” Quickly and to his confusion, four other voices join – these five characters (Michael, Katie, Matt, Jessie, and Emily) are Josh’s victims from his shooting rampage in the school cafeteria that morning. They have returned to him and force him to confront and relive the events that led to that moment: his first hunting experience, heartbreak when Katie “dumped him for Michael,” bullying voices from school, his violent threat on a chalkboard, being expelled from school, and finally being forced to see a psychotherapist. He contemplates suicide, but then chooses to take his aggression, anger, and depression out on others, fatally shooting both of his parents before going to his school. Ultimately, Josh realizes what he has done and its finality, and is left with one final prayer: “Oh, God.”
Show Information
Context
Angered and motivated by high school shootings that happened in the mid-90’s, playwright William Mastrosimone wrote Bang Bang You’re Dead as a royalty-free show for teenagers to discuss bullying and violence in schools. The central character, Josh, was inspired by the real-life Kip Kinkel from Thurston High School in Oregon. Other scenes in the play – such as threats on the chalkboard – are also based on real events. The characters and actors within the play sometimes operate as a Greek
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Character Portrayals
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Monologues
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Guide Written By:
Cindi Calhoun
Theatre teacher, director, writer, and seamstress