A group of actors from the Beowulf Alley theater will be performing a play depicting the reactions of everyday community members, after the January 8th shooting at Safeway.
One year ago, Jared Loughner opened fire outside the Safeway Store on Oracle Road. . Six people were killed that day, and several others, including U.S. Rep. Gabby Giffords.
"It's one of those things where you remember exactly where you were that day, what you were eating, what you were wearing, when you got the news," said Tristyn Tucci, a performer in the play.
Tucci was playing a singer-song writer in the play, a character similar to herself. The only way she knew to express her emotions about the tragedy was to put it in a song.
The play titled "Word Clouds" was written and directed by Michael Fenlason, the artistic director of Beowulf Alley.
The play featured about 8 actors, all depicting real life characters. A woman who was shopping at Safeway when the shooting took place, a UMC trauma nurse who decided not to have a child after the shooting, a man who believed in gun control, and a man who believed in gun regulation, all had voices in the play.
For Fenlason, the January 8th tragedy was also a day that Tucson stood out in front of the world.
"Admittedly, it began with something horrible, but it ended with a million love stories and fantastic moving stories," said Fenlason.
He was talking about the victims. A husband who shielded his wife from the bullets, an aide who performed CPR on his boss, victims who tried to take down the gunman even after they had been shot. Fenlason said the tragedy brought out stories of heroism, courage, sacrifice, and bravery.
One of the worst days in Tucson history was also one that brought out the best, in a community that showed the world they know how to come together.
A day when lives were torn apart, but Tucson came together.
A big city that was so spread out seemed like a small town.
Fenlason said they planned to donate about 25% of the proceeds raised from the play to the Community Food Bank.
"After the events happened that day, I believe it was Mark Kelly who said we would just like you to donate to the food bank. I'm going to honor that and do what Mr. Kelly says, and donate to the food bank," said Fenlason.
You can catch the "Word Clouds" performance at the Beowulf Alley theater downtown on Friday, January 6th and Saturday, January 7th at 7:30.
Tickets cost $12.
The audience will have a chance to share their emotions, ask questions, and express themselves after the performance.
