Durham, NC (Wednesday, January 18, 2023) – Durham County Sheriff Clarence F. Birkhead announces a new partnership with Durham Public Schools (DPS) to use the arts as a way to reach young people about gun violence in Durham. Following on the heels of the critically acclaimed and highly successful play “State of Urgency,” Sheriff Birkhead is scheduled to host a series of community conversations with DPS students immediately after they attend the play next month. This new initiative will give DPS teachers the opportunity to register and bring their students to the play at no cost.

“I’ve had the opportunity to see this play and was moved by its strong message to open up communication between our young people about the devastating impact gun violence has,” Sheriff Birkhead said. “This is a great opportunity for all students, families, law enforcement, school administrators, counselors, and other support groups to have an honest and upfront dialogue in a safe space to address this critical issue plaguing our local community and country. We invite every school across Durham County to attend, participate and join us.”

State of Urgency is an original, thought-provoking, and insightful play first presented in fall 2021 by the Hillside High School Drama Department. Written by former Hillside Drama Director Wendell Tabb along with Hillside theatre students, the production gives an honest glimpse of social justice issues in America. After every performance, Mr. Tabb had a conversation with his students about what they learned because each play has a strong message. 

“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 former drama director Tabb. “I wanted to do my part as a change agent; as the arts can be used to address gun violence. My commitment to our school and community led me to create an original play to address these social issues. I am proud of the voices that Hillside students have given to these topics that are having a major impact on their lives daily.”

“Violence in our communities– gun violence in particular– robs us of precious lives. As a provider of educational services, Durham Public Schools is committed to teaching lessons that increase knowledge as well as awareness,” said Dr. Pascal Mubenga, Superintendent of Durham Public Schools. “We are hopeful that our ongoing partnership with the Durham County Sheriff's Office will serve to educate and save lives.”

“This is a wonderful opportunity not only to entertain, but to inform and educate our community on contemporary issues plaguing our society, specifically our youth. This is a great chance for our students to make a difference in the lives of their peers,” said Hillside High School Principal Dr. William Logan.

To learn more about State or Urgency, click this link: Hillside High School uses theater to inspire students

Tickets:

1. All DPS Teachers: This link is active to make school reservations
2. General Public: Access this link for online ticketing and for more information

Performances: location for all seven (7) events will be Gattis-Tabb Theatre at Hillside High School, 3727 Fayetteville Road, Durham

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

More Information:
Facebook: Hillside Drama
Twitter: @hhstheatrednc
YouTube: Hillside Drama Department

About the Durham County Sheriff’s Office (DCSO)
One of the largest Sheriff’s Offices in North Carolina, the Durham County Sheriff’s Office is the primary law enforcement agency for unincorporated Durham County. Over 400 employees work in a variety of positions representing our office, including deputies, detention officers, and civilians. In addition to patrol and criminal investigations, DCSO operates the Durham County Detention Facility, provides courthouse security at the Durham County Courthouse, protects the animals of our County, and serves criminal warrants and numerous civil documents as mandated by State law. Our jurisdiction covers rural Durham County, sections of Research Triangle Park, urban areas within the City of Durham as well as Interstates 85 and 40 connecting “the Triangle.”