"Crime and Punishment," a theatrical performance presented by KOLT Run Creations, will open Friday at Ooley Theater in Midtown. 

The play, originally a novel by Fyodor Dostoevsky, was brought to Sacramento by KOLT co-founders Kelley Ogden and Lisa Thew for a specific purpose. 

"We usually do shows or pick scripts that have issues that are related to our community," Odgen said. "When we looked at doing our next show, we could not escape that there is a real economic poverty (in Sacramento)." 

Odgen explained the with all the job-loss and furlough situations, they felt the play reflected current times around the community. 

"Crime and Punishment" takes place during the mid-1800s in St. Petersburg, Russia. The main character, Raskolnikov, played by local actor Brian Rise, is a former student who is mentally unstable and living below poverty level. He contemplates theft as a way to get out of his situation. He ends up murdering two women in the process and lives with tremendous remorse throughout the play. 

 Rise will be joined by local actor Patrick Murphy as well as Ogden on stage. All three actors will be playing a combination of eight different roles throughout the show.

Ogden said having only three actors adds to the dream-like script. 

"The idea behind the play and structure is kind of like a dream," she said. "Playing (various) characters is a reflection of the same theme.  We like theater that makes people think." 

The Sacramento showing will have an added element that no other "Crime and Punishment" showings typically have, Ogden said.  Student violinist Patrick Claypool will be performing throughout the play. 

"We use live music to help underscore the scenes and themes of the play," Odgen said, adding that having a violinist adds drama and suspense to the play. 

Showings will begin Friday and go through Feb. 13. There will be two showings per week, Friday and Saturday, at 8 p.m. Ticket prices are $15 and $12 for SARTA members.

 For more information, visit koltruncreations.com.