That Day in Tucson looks at the tragic events of January 8, 2011, from a different perspective.
~Photos and Review by Dana Nöllsch~
“That Day in Tucson,” The Story
That Day in Tucson is centered around the story of Daniel Hernandez, Jr; Hernandez was an intern for Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords when she was shot on January 8, 2011. Hernandez was hailed as a hero for saving Congresswoman Giffords’s life, sparking a media frenzy fueled by political gamesmanship. During the play, the audience learns about Hernandez’s backstory and where these events eventually took him.
Hernandez overcomes challenges as he grows up and discovers who he is and his commitment to public life. These challenges and epiphanies lead Hernandez to be part of Congresswoman Giffords’s campaign. Growing up in the Southwest was challenging for Hernandez. Coming from a bicultural, bilingual Latino family in a politically repressed atmosphere made him aware of what he wanted to do with his life.
Passionately written, That Day in Tucson is an emotional ride that touches on some of the many facets of politics and mental illness. The story is more of a journey of hope than a political statement. There are many triggers, but none of these are gratuitous.
Trigger warning. That Day in Tucson depicts acts of violence, guns and gunshots, blood, and intolerance.
Cast/Performance
Most of the cast and crew are students of TMCC, and I am always amazed and impressed with the passion these student actors display. This cast is a joy to watch, and Johan Espinosa plays Daniel Hernandez, Jr with passion and emotion; I look forward to seeing more of him on stage.
This production is performed with central staging, with the audience surrounding the stage. This type of staging brings its own set of challenges for the director. Shea King has done an outstanding job in directing these up-and-coming actors, especially considering the difficulties of performing on a theatre in the round stage.
In conclusion
That Day in Tucson is a fast-paced, thought-provoking look into a violent event in our history from the perspective of one who was there. The audience can only come away being moved and examining where we are politically in this country.
Written & Directed By Guillermo Reyes
Directed by Shea King, M.F.A.
Cast
Actor 1: Johan Espinosa*
Actor 2: Gregory Hillman*
Actor 3: Ezra Rambeau
Actor 4: Justin Correll*
Actor 5: Sophia Roman*
Actor 6: Gregory Hillman*
Actor 7: Darcy Lenardson**
CREATIVES & CREW
Stage Manager: Leyla Perales Rizo*
Assistant Stage Manager/Dramaturg: Jordan Pettipiece*
Scenic/Lighting Design: Jared Sorenson
Costume Design: Layla Conrad
Props: Rusty Beddell
Sound/Projections: Jacob Spaulding*
Technical Director: Jared Sorenson
Set Construction/Painting: THTR 204 Students, Hanah, Jacob Spaulding
Box Office Manager: Steven Meyer
*- Students working towards an AA in Theatre
**- Guest Artist
Performance Dates
April 27, 28, 29, May 4, 5, 6 at 7:30 p.m., and April 29 and May 6 at 2 p.m.
All performances will be in RDMT 240 on the TMCC Dandini Campus.
For Tickets and more information, go to: tmcc.edu/visual-performing-arts/performance-schedule
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