The University of Central Florida will bring 26 Pebbles – a play written by BFA musical theatre alumnus Eric Ulloa – to the Orlando Repertory Theatre on Oct.5-8.
Ulloa’s 26 Pebbles was created as a response to the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary shooting in Connecticut. As a socially active individual, Ulloa felt a need to shine a light on the tragedy that changed the lives of many people in Newtown, CT. He drove to Newtown and conducted interviews with the town’s people, and the play is a composition of their words.
Theatre faculty member Be Boyd is directing the play that consists of UCF graduate and undergraduate students. According to Boyd, the students love working on the show because they want to honor the people who were shaken by the horrific event, and support Ulloa’s commitment to sharing their stories.
“26 Pebbles is a piece about humanity at its best and worst, but mostly its best,” said Boyd, associate professor of undergraduate acting and BFA acting coordinator. “It’s an extremely touching, interactive and educational piece about the community’s spirit, their loss and the world’s response to their tragedy.”
Performances of 26 Pebbles are at 7 p.m. Oct. 5-7 and at 5 p.m. Oct. 8. The show will be hosted at the Orlando Repertory Theatre, 1001 E. Princeton St. The performances are free but require a ticket. More info is available at theatre.cah.ucf.edu/events.php?id=3916.
Ancillary events around the performances include:
Thursday, Oct. 5
Pre-show events: Hosted by Orlando United Assistance Center with a focus on education
Post-show events: Talk back with Eric Ulloa and a Q&A with audience members
Friday, Oct. 6
Post-show event: Talk back with the cast of 26 Pebbles and a Q&A with audience members
Saturday, Oct. 7
Post-show event: Talk back with the cast of 26 Pebbles and a Q&A with audience members
Sunday, Oct. 8
Post-show event: Forum discussion led by Orlando United Assistance Center