ABERDEEN, S.D. - Northern State University will present Lauren Gunderson's 65-minute one woman play “Natural Shocks” as part of a national campaign of theater activism against gun violence at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 20, in the Johnson Fine Arts Center Black Box Theater.

Gunderson, recognized as the most-produced playwright in American theater, has offered royalty-free local readings of “Natural Shocks” nationwide to raise money to address gun violence. The readings are set to take place across the country over the weekend of April 20, which is the anniversary of the Columbine High School shooting in Colorado and the day of the National School Walkout.

According to the campaign's website, "Natural Shocks is a new 65-minute, one-woman tour-de-force play that bursts to life when we meet a woman waiting out an imminent tornado in her basement. She overflows with quirks, 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."

The reading will feature Sara Christensen Blair, NSU professor of art/department chair, playing the role of “She” and a theater student reading stage directions.

“Natural Shocks” is directed by Jordan Jaked Carrier with production stage management by Trevor Carrier.

Admission is free with monetary and household item donations accepted on behalf of Safe Harbor.

Safe Harbor is in need of household goods such as toilet paper, paper towels, women's deodorant, laundry soap, diapers size 5 and 6, as well as office and cleaning supplies. Safe Harbor serves women, men and children in northeastern South Dakota by providing shelter and resources for making positive life choices. Their mission is to empower individuals in abusive situations by providing advocacy and support services; to educate and motivate the community to be proactive in eliminating abuse.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.