26 Pebbles

Suffield Academy students performed the play “26 Pebbles” on May 9, 10, and 11 in the Jeanice Seaverns Performing Arts Center. The show tells the story of the 26 innocent souls lost in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting—and like pebbles thrown into a pond—how it created ripples and vibrations felt far beyond the initial rings. The show was considered “verbatim theater” and was a series of interviews from the people of Newtown, Connecticut that were compiled and structured into a play. The show paints the picture of the idyllic New England town and how the tragedy completely transformed the community. The actors took on challenging roles beautifully representing various people involved in the horrific events. Director of the Performing Arts Tom Dugan shared “I was so impressed with their ability to play each character; you forgot they were teenagers on stage. I am very proud of the performers and the ways in which they digested the material and presented it to the audience.” It was a moving show that ultimately provided hope for the future.