DANCEHAPPENINGSTHEATRE

In Theatre & Dance, a Timely Spotlight on Immigration

The next two months bring an influx of shows in theatre & dance around the theme of immigration. Here’s what’s coming up.

For show times & details, see the Calendar page.

 

The Other Side: songs about immigration 

As a Cornish senior project, Eva Estrada-Campos and Evalynne McLaughlin present original music on immigration stories at two Seattle bars on April 11-12.

 

Screaming Butterflies: Bocon!

This family-friendly play is told from the perspective of Miguel, a boy from Central America, as he recounts to an immigration judge how he journeyed from his home to the Border of Lights. Written by Lisa Loomer and directed by Jeanette Sanchez-Izenman; runs through April 12 in Tacoma.

 

Mirror Stage, Expand Upon: Immigration 

In Mirror Stage’s “Expand Upon” series, the company commissions two local playwrights to write a one-act play on a timely theme voted on by audiences at the previous production. The topic chosen this time around was immigration, and new works by playwrights Sophie Franco and Celeste Mari Williams will each have a staged reading, sharing the same cast. Readings held April 6-14 at Ethnic Cultural Theatre (U-District) and Yaw Theater (Georgetown).

 

Pony World: Language Rooms

The former INS processing and detention center, now called INScape Arts (home to Slate Theater), will serve as the site for Language Rooms, by Seattle-based Egyptian-born playwright Yussef El Guindi. The play grapples with themes of detention, immigration, and national loyalty. Pony World Theatre will present the Seattle-premiere production, directed by Brendan Healy, April 12 through May 4.

 

The Guild Dance Company: Immigration Stories 

A choreographic odyssey tracing the journey of artistic director Alex Ung’s immigrant Tai Dam family from war-torn Southeast Asia to Iowa, from the 1940s to the 1970s. Told through traditional Tai Dam dance accompanied by drum, string, and pipe. A blend of hip hop and contemporary styles set to contemporary music will add to the narrative as we witness the passage of time and the Tai Dam relocation. Held at Yaw Theater May 3-4.

 

The Detention Lottery 

This immersive work by local playwright and immigration attorney Margaret O’Donnell is designed to travel to various neighborhood locations, in which audience members become the detained. Lia S Fakhouri (Veils with Macha Theatre Works) will direct this showing held at Fauntleroy UCC on May 25.