Tinamarie Ivey

I Got Guns

Sanctuary Stage

​

Location:  The Lyceum Theatre, San Diego

co-Director and Choreographer

Role:  Panelone

Award: Outstanding Actor, in a Comedy, Actors Alliance of San Diego

 

In this Commedia dell’Arte production, the demons of the past are invoked to shed light on the pressing issues of the present, offering a biting and irreverent lens through which to examine contemporary societal challenges. I Got Guns, an original musical comedy, utilizes the rich tradition of Commedia dell’Arte—with its archetypal characters, physical humor, and improvisational wit—to craft a satirical commentary on the intersections of guns and politics.

Set against the backdrop of the polarizing 2016 U.S. presidential election, the play addresses the nation's deeply entrenched gun culture and the alarming policies that continue to prioritize weapon accessibility over public safety. Through sharp humor and exaggerated scenarios, I Got Guns critiques the absurdity and consequences of America’s lax gun regulations, highlighting the complex interplay of power, fear, and control that underpin the ongoing gun debate. The script intertwines these critiques with the charged political climate of 2016, reflecting on the divisive rhetoric, populist ideologies, and rising tensions that defined the election and its aftermath.

At its heart, I Got Guns is not merely a critique but a call to examine the societal forces that perpetuate violence and polarization. The narrative weaves themes of love and connection into its satire, juxtaposing the human desire for unity with the destructive potential of unchecked policies and political discord. This dual focus humanizes the play’s message, reminding audiences of the personal and collective stakes involved in the gun debate.