Student actors took the stage Wednesday at Hillside High School in Durham, performing a play addressing gun violence written by a former teacher.

The student production of "State of Urgency" has taken on additional urgency after two students from the school were shot on the American Tobacco Trail near the school earlier this month. One teenage boy died and another was hospitalized.

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Police have not said anything about who shot the boys, and they have not made any arrests.

Senior Aniyah Lowe said, “It was on the day of rehearsal, and it was a really heavy rehearsal. Everyone was really emotional that day.”

Two days before the shooting, staff discovered an unloaded gun in a Hillside student’s backpack.

“I want us to take accountability and acknowledge we have a problem and do something to fix it," said senior Kelyse Raiyel.

Sophomore Taryn Melvin said, “I wanted to tell the story why gun violence is a huge issue in the community and what we need to do to fix it.”

Hillside's former drama teacher Wendell Tabb wrote "State of Urgency" years ago.

"With so much violence and unrest going on in the world, it was easy for me to consider a show that would address social justice issues such as gun violence, police brutality, racism, discrimination, and poverty to name a few,” said Tabb. “I wanted to do my part as a change agent; as the arts can be used to address gun violence."

Tabb and the Hillside drama department are partnering with the Durham County Sheriff's Office to produce the play for seven performances at the school from Feb. 15 to 19. Each performance will be followed by a discussion, hosted by Tabb and Sheriff Clarence Birkhead, about the issues it raises.

"We need to reach our kids because the offenders are getting younger, the victims are getting younger," Birkhead said. "I think this play will be a good catalyst to have those conversations about what is going on, and what can we do to help."

Durham County teachers and students are all invited to attend one of the performances. Students in grades 4 and up will have the opportunity to see the play as part of the school day.

"The tragedies are happening more than we are putting things in place, so we are going to have to reverse that and be proactive," Tabb said.

Performances of "State of Urgency" are scheduled for:

  • Wednesday, February 15, @ 10:30 a.m. (school matinee)
    • Thursday, February 16, @ 10:30 a.m. (school matinee)
      • Friday, February 17, @ 10:30 a.m. (school matinee)
        • Friday, February 17, @ 7:15 p.m.
          • Saturday, February 18, @ 3:15 p.m. and 7:15 p.m.
            • Sunday, February 19, @ 3:15 p.m.

              Friday evening and Saturday and Sunday performances are open to the public. Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for children.

              Tabb told WRAL News, "We need the community, the parents, we need students, everybody to rally around 'State of Urgency,' because it is urgent."