Just Like Us Portrays Immigration Reality

The SDSU School of Theatre, Television, and Film presents Just Like Us, a documentary-style play observing the challenges of immigration status and what it means to be American. Just Like Us runs Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 6, in SDSU’s Experimental Theatre and is the first play of the year.

The play follows four teenage Latina girls in Denver—two of whom are documented and two who are not—through young adulthood. As the girls get older, their close-knit friendships begin to unravel when immigration status dictates the girls’ opportunities, or lack thereof.

“The show is geared to deal specifically with the issues that college-age students are going through or are in one way or another connected too. The surrounding events will also provide a new perspective on immigration,” said Peter Cirino, associate professor and director of the play.

Student actor Diana Ramirez said that it is important to take art and politicize it.

“A lot of us tend to get lost in what the politics mean. With art, it’s easier for people to see it play out and understand what is happening than to read a book,” said Ramirez. “We are able to educate others on what exactly is happening today.”

Ramirez said that she hopes Just Like Us will help set the tone for more political realities in art.

“I want the issue of immigration to be one of the topics that stay at the forefront of the SDSU community. I believe that the SDSU community will find this production very connected to their lives and an insight into an issue that is all around them,” said Cirino.

For Cirino, this play and the issues of immigration resonates with him.

“I have had a personal history with the issue of immigration. I am the son of that very difficult issue,” said Cirino. “Given the political and social climate we are facing as a border community it is so important that we keep sounding the voices of those that are being forced to be silent.”

Just Like Us will run Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 6, Wednesdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $20 general admission, and $17 for seniors, military, and students. For tickets, directions, and parking information, visit ttf.sdsu.edu.

For more information about this and the many other Arts Alive SDSU performances, concerts, and exhibitions, visit artsalive.sdsu.edu.

The content within this article has been edited by Lizbeth Persons.