The Ohio State theater department has joined forces with the office of international affairs to host the world premiere of “Escuela Del Mundo,” a performance created by playwright Catherine Filloux, known for her work with human rights themes.

“Escuela Del Mundo” is the story of seven students enrolled in an international school, each representing a different country. The students end up taking refuge in the confines of the school storage closet after a Columbine-like event erupts in the main hallways.

“It is a new play, that involves a very unusual situation,” said Lesley Ferris, director and chair of the theater department.

“I think that if a play can carry the message of international issues. It’s a more interesting way of informing the public than listening to a lecture.”

The seven characters from the Middle East, Great Britain, China, Mexico, Rwanda, Israel and the United States must confront each other in a time of panic and fear, and learn how to put aside their differences to stay alive.

Angela Wilson, a freshman in theater, plays the character of Pauline, a Rwandan genocide survivor.

“Students should come see this performance because it is a very powerful piece,” she said.

“Not only are the lighting and sound effects a rush in itself, but the plot of the story is mind bending,” Wilson said. “It teaches us about morals, and tolerance of others who are of different backgrounds and cultures. It also teaches us how to stand up for what we believe in and not allow peer pressure to influence us.”

Ferris said the cast was able to bond and grow together through the intensity of the script.

“Students had to research their characters, and at the same time explore themselves,” she said. “They went and saw Hotel Rwanda together which is a lot like the background of the character Pauline … in a way it was almost serendipity.”

Although busy with other productions in New York City, Catherine Filloux was able to be present at many of the cast’s rehearsals.

“It was a blessing to have the playwright watch her ideas pan out,” Wilson said.

The themes behind “Escuela Del Mundo” also hit home with cast member Daniel Nash, a junior in theater.

Nash plays the role of Yehuda, a senior from Israel.

“I’ve been interested in the conflicts between Israel and Palestine for the last five or six years, so I was aware of some of my character’s background to begin with,” he said.

“Playing this role made me want to change the lives of children in these countries, and stop the conlict…which I am hopeful will happen, Nash said. The manifestation of emotion from the characters is overwhelming but once I cool down I stop and realize that things in the world are changing.”

Nash said “Escuela Del Mundo” will prompt audience members to question the kind of life-altering event it takes for people to realize their hatred is misplaced and what causes people to change.

“Escuela Del Mundo” will be performed at 8 p.m. March 4 and 5, and at 3 p.m. March 5 and 6 at Mount Hall Studio Theater, 1050 Carmack Road.