A new film trend, “Lock Down Theater” was streamed on Facebook during remote instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic on May 16. The page posted the play on Facebook and was filmed entirely through Zoom and uploaded to their Facebook page at “Lock Down Theater”.
The play “This is My Gun” was written by Bruce Olav Solheim, a history professor at Citrus College. The play centers around very sensitive material, such as a young man who is contemplating to do a school shooting.
The play also discusses mental illness and violence.
The main character, Perry, is troubled — his father left him. He has a horrible relationship with his stepfather who strongly believes in his right to own a gun. Perry also hears a voice in his head by a person named Peoples Smith who encourages Perry to make bad choices.
The theme of the play is very dark, but the message is an important one. The play highlights the warning signs of students or children in danger of committing violent acts.
The Lockdown Theater’s Facebook page said their inspiration was to capture the excitement of live theatre and performance within the confines of social media in the safety of being home.
“All our content is fresh, new, innovative and bold, and explores the full breadth of human interaction and experience showcasing up and coming talent in a unique emerging modality,” the Lockdown Theater’s Facebook page said.
The play’s production was surprising. “This is My Gun” was performed on Zoom and live streamed through Facebook. At first, the idea of a Zoom play sounds odd, but it was done well..
The cast was very into their roles and able to connect to their characters, even though they were working on a platform that usually isn’t made for performing. The close up of characters’ faces during some of the scenes helped emphasize the unsettling reality of certain mental illnesses.
Some of the comments on Facebook show how the play captured the connection between mental illness and school shootings.
Facebook commenter Christie Stratos said the play made sense and expressed Perry’s mental illness in a clear light.
“Makes total sense, disjointed signs—that’s a very clear way to express having to put all of it together when the signs are at totally different times,” Stratos said.
Facebook commenter Trevor Thomson said “This is My Gun” teaches us to remember to be kind to one another.
“Thank you for this important conversation,” Thomson said. “It reminds me that we are connected to each other and that our words and our actions can be good medicine to all we are in contact with.”
Facebook commenter Noelle Maryne said as a teacher she found the play’s information helpful and appreciated the host for presenting the play.
“Lock Down Theater” came up with a creative way to continue performing during this hard time and “This is My Gun” was performed brilliantly.
Check out the page “Lock Down Theater” on their Facebook page.
