Know Theatre to Present a Reading of NATURAL SHOCKS

Know Theatre is proud to present a reading of Natural Shocks by Lauren Gunderson, a relevant and raw story that tells of a tornado, a chatty woman, and a dark secret.

The weekend of April 20, 2018 -- the 19th anniversary of Columbine and the day of the National School Walkout -- Know Theatre along with theatres across the nation will be using the reading of Gunderson's new work as theater activism that serves to amplify the voices of those brave children saying "never again."

As a junior in high school when Columbine happened, Lauren Gunderson was immediately activated. At 17, her efforts through writing and organizing mirrors the efforts of those left in the wake of the Parkland school shooting. Her new play Natural Shocks is a response to the gun violence of nineteen years ago, and the violence of today.

Based on Hamlet's "To be or not to be," soliloquy, Natural Shocks is a new 65-minute, tour-de-force play that bursts to life when we meet a woman waiting out an imminent tornado in her basement. She overflows with life, stories, and a final secret that puts the reality of guns in America in your very lap. The play is part confessional, part stand up, and part reckoning.

House opens Saturday April 21st at 2pm, with live music, snacks, specialty cocktails at our bar, and information from representatives from local groups working for women's rights. The reading will begin at 3pm. Join the Know Theatre, as well as a cast of all-stars including Miranda McGee*, Burgess Byrd*, Lormarev Jones, Maggie Lou Rader*, Lisa DeRoberts, and Regina Pugh* as we attempt to embody the everywoman, and every town.

In addition, join the cast, director, and local activists from Women Helping Women for an interactive talkback following the performance.

Know Theatre is Cincinnati's Theatrical Playground. The Know showcases unexpected voices, new works, and plays that embrace the inherent theatricality of the live experience. Know Theatre seeks to be a place where artists and audiences feel welcome to take artistic risks, creating work that is cutting edge and accessible.

Know Theatre's work is made possible, in part, by the generosity of community contributions to the ArtsWave Campaign.

The Ohio Arts Council helps fund Know Theatre with state tax dollars to encourage economic growth, educational excellence, and cultural enrichment for all Ohioans.

Know Theatre is also supported by The Carol Ann & Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation, helping to change our communities for the better through collaboration and innovation, and the Greater Cincinnati Foundation, which provides a simple, powerful, and highly personal approach to giving.

Know Theatre is a member of Theatre Communications Group and an Associate Member of the National New Play Network

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