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First Person Shooter

City Lights Theater Company

January 22-February 22, 2009

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After a Columbine-type shooting, the creator of a violent video game receives a letter from the shooter written just before his rampage and suicide, thanking him and his company for the “practice” that the game provided. A timely examination of culpability and responsibility, First Person Shooter asks the ultimate question: in a society in which violence has become a game, who is really at fault when the violence becomes all too real?

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• Ticket Info

  Tickets: $15-$35

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• Dates & Times

  Dates:
  January 22-February 22, 2009

  Times:
  Thurs-Sat: 8pm
  Sun: 2pm or 7pm

• Venue Info

  City Lights Theater

  529 S. 2nd Street San Jose, CA 95112

  Full map and directions

• Accessibility Info

  • Wheelchair Access

• NOTE: We do our best to ensure all information is accurate. However it's a good idea to visit the official website or call the venue to verify the information.

• Member Reviews

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  • Event Name: First Person Shooter
    "Over Indulgent"
    Review posted by: South Bay Critic from Bay Area, CA, Feb 18, 2009
    

    Overall my interest was held and the scenes with the family struggling over their son's death were excellent. The actors handled them with great understanding and sensitivity. But, unfortunately half... Expand

    Overall my interest was held and the scenes with the family struggling over their son's death were excellent. The actors handled them with great understanding and sensitivity. But, unfortunately half the play takes place in the office of the game company. The actors portrayed these characters as mean spirited, garbaged mouthed bullies. It was just ridiculous. The characters were totally unlikable. It was almost as if the director wanted us to believe that they were unethical and insensitive human beings. It's similar to the mistake of playing Iago as a villain in Othello. It's insulting to the intelligence of the audience. The premise of the play is excellent and the main conflict is captivating. I just wish it wasn't directed in such a heavy handed way. Collapse

  • Event Name: First Person Shooter
    "Provocative"
    Review posted by: Susannah from San Jose, CA, Jan 30, 2009
    

    This show is what I think personally City Lights does best. A show that might bring up a lot of strong feelings and has you questioning and reevaluating the gray areas that you previously might have... Expand

    This show is what I think personally City Lights does best. A show that might bring up a lot of strong feelings and has you questioning and reevaluating the gray areas that you previously might have thought were black and white. The wonderful vernacular of this play is delivered believably and the use of video and fluid use of multimedia was a great addition (not a distratction as substandard tech can often detract). I'm rarely made uncomfortable by theatre, but the imagery and topics of this are intelligent and...a bit disturbing. Just when you think you are desensitized by violent film and let's face it reality, you find yourself having some strong emotions to the topics and presentation of this play. Good and worth it, but be aware you won't just be sitting back and relaxing. This play makes you think and react, take sides, judge, and examine. Good Job City Lights. More of this please. Collapse

  • Event Name: First Person Shooter
    "The kind of theatre there should be more of in San Jose."
    Review posted by: Lila B. from San Jose, CA, Jan 28, 2009
    

    I really loved this show. There was so much more to the story than I was expecting, and the production was fantastic. George Psarras gave a particularly amazing performance. This is exactly the type... Expand

    I really loved this show. There was so much more to the story than I was expecting, and the production was fantastic. George Psarras gave a particularly amazing performance. This is exactly the type of production that I wish I could see every time I go to local theatre: risky, thought-provoking, original, and wonderfully directed, acted and produced by local talent. If, like me, you want to see more work like this produced, go see it while you can and prove that there is an audience for good theatre in the South Bay. Collapse

  • Event Name: First Person Shooter
    "Amazing show!"
    Review posted by: lwilkinson from San Jose, CA, Jan 26, 2009
    

    From the subject matter, one would think this was much of a 'downer' story line. What a surprise we had! It is a very thought provoking, amazing show that allows you to see the story unfold from many... Expand

    From the subject matter, one would think this was much of a 'downer' story line. What a surprise we had! It is a very thought provoking, amazing show that allows you to see the story unfold from many angles.... Casting was superb as well. Another winner City Lights! Don't miss this show! Collapse

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