FOR THE LOVE OF UVALDE: art for social change and community discussion

For the Love of Uvalde: A Play Inspired by the May 24, 2022 Robb Elementary School Shooting in Uvalde, TX is written by Texas native and theatre professor Ayvaunn Penn (Columbia University Playwriting Dean’s Fellow, Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference Finalist). As a 2023 semifinalist for the prestigious Princess Grace Playwriting Fellowship, this full-length theatre-for-social-change play gives voice to the frustrations of parents and loved ones of the shooting victims as well as the voices of survivors, politicians, and others who have differing views on how to put an end to gun violence. Through poetry, song, and dance, For the Love of Uvalde calls audiences to action — to put aside differences, unite, and do the work it takes to make America’s schools safe for all. Penn wrote this play to:

• Ensure that those who lost their lives, those wounded, and survivors are never forgotten
• Take an objective look at the transpiring of events around the Robb Elementary School shooting
• Use art to preserve what is both Texas and national history
• Give voice to those impacted by the Robb Elementary School shooting
• Help communities engage in difficult yet needed conversation
• Reflect today on how we can set aside our differences of opinion and work together to keep atrocities like this from happening tomorrow

For the Love of Uvalde had its premiere public staged reading at Texas Christian University in conjunction with El Progreso Memorial Library in Uvalde, TX on January 28, 2023. The developmental presentation consisted of select songs and monologues from the show and was immediately followed by a community discussion led by a panel including a licensed counselor, a social scientist, and theatre educators and theatre professionals. Upon request of El Progeso Memorial Library, the video footage from the January 28th reading has been entered into their Robb Archives Collection dedicated to documenting the history and narratives surrounding the Robb Elementary School tragedy. The abridged edition of For the Love of Uvalde has gone on to have additional community presentations and discussions in and outside of Uvalde, Texas at educational, religious, and community organizations alike.

For the Love of Uvalde continues development in preparation for one day having a fully staged professional theatre production. Theaters and educational institutions interested in engaging their communities through production and discussion of this play should click here to contact the playwright.