Rockford University teen-written plays address gun violence

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO) — Rockford University is participating in the nationwide ‘Enough Plays to End Gun Violence’ project, showcasing plays written by teenagers to address gun violence, tonight at 7 p.m. in Cheek Theater.

The event, which began in 2019, involves over 60 organizations, including universities, high schools, churches, and professional theater companies.

“For our students, being able to use their art towards social change is an exciting opportunity,” said Marissa Barnathan from Rockford University.

The project aims to resonate with both audience members and actors, encouraging them to engage with the issue of gun violence and take action. Barnathan emphasized the importance of using theater for social change, offering students a unique experience beyond traditional stage plays and musicals.

The League of Women Voters Greater Rockford, along with the local Moms Demand Action chapter, are key community partners in this initiative, according to Barnathan. These groups are involved in a youth gun violence prevention initiative in Rockford, working alongside the city and the mayor’s office.

The event is free to attend, with any donations going to the League of Women Voters Greater Rockford. The event will be held at 5050 East State Street in Cheek Theater at 7 p.m. and aims to align with broader city efforts to address gun violence.

The ‘Enough Plays to End Gun Violence’ project provides a platform for young voices to contribute to the conversation on gun violence, with the hope of inspiring action and awareness within the Rockford community.

All facts in this report were gathered by journalists employed by WTVO. Artificial intelligence tools were used to reformat a broadcast script into a news article for our website. This report was edited and fact-checked by WTVO staff before being published.