Surfside Playhouse in Cocoa Beach has untapped a torrent of human emotions with its latest production, “Drinking Poison.”

The winner of this year’s Arlan Ropp Playwriting Competition, “Drinking Poison” examines the heartbreaking search for understanding in the aftermath of devastating loss.

Set in a small town during a week after a school shooting that killed 12 students, “Drinking Poison” examines the tragedy from seven different perspectives. Written by local playwright Cheryl Navo and directed by Nancy Matican-Bock, “Drinking Poison” runs July 26 through Aug. 4.

The set is comprised of three mini-sets in one: the field of a makeshift memorial, the police interview room and the grief counselor’s office.

“The play goes in and out of conversations in those three specific locations,” Matican-Bock said.

Alethea Zuniga plays Margaret, the shooter’s victim, who is a victim herself. Approaching retirement age, Carl the janitor, portrayed by Kevin Hurley, blames himself for leaving open the back door the shooter accessed into the high school. Maria Evangeline Alvey, as Brenda the bereavement counselor, and Peter Olander as the detective, are, in their own ways, helping parents and students process through spinning emotions. Sarah Hall stars as Sharon, mother to one of the student victims. Phoebe Parker, who plays the shooter’s girlfriend, Caitlyn, and her best friend Becca, played by Tallia Schreiber, are coping with the loss of their classmates and wondering why they were spared.

As the people struggle to comprehend the reason behind the violence, they reveal the personal battles and societal issues that lie beneath the surface.

In a poignant scene, Margaret attempts to honor the victims by placing flowers at a makeshift memorial. Carl wrestles with his role in maintaining this sacred space, while Brenda prepares for a memorial service that brings the community together in shared mourning. These moments highlight the play's exploration of human resilience and the desperate need for connection and healing.

“The play was written with such attention to detail,” Matican-Bock said.

Author Cheryl Navo, former Department of the Army civilian, who spent most of her career in Germany, was twice awarded best director in the Army Europe Tournament of Plays. She is the author of two full-length plays and numerous one-act productions that have been performed in Europe, Canada and the United States. A member of the American Association of Community Theatre and the Dramatists Guild, Navo resides at Indian River Colony Club.

“Drinking Poison” is only partly about loss. It is also a reflection on how to forge forward when past events are hard to let go. It challenges us to consider the deeper causes of violence and the ways in which we can support one another even in the most difficult times.

Surfside’s annual playwriting contest, founded in 2001, provides local playwrights an opportunity to present original full-length plays. The contest was later renamed to honor the memory of lifelong local theater advocate Arlan Ropp.

If you go

'Drinking Poison'

Where: Surfside Playhouse, 301 Ramp Road, Cocoa Beach

When: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays through Aug. 4

Tickets: $20

Call: 321-783-3127

Website: surfsideplayhouse.com

Note: Due to intense subject matter, audience members must be 16 or older.

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This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Ropp Award winner: 'Drinking Poison' debuts at Surfside Playhouse