Just Like Us Portrays Immigration Reality

The San Diego State University School of Theatre, Television, and Film opens its fall 2019 theatre season with “Just Like Us,” a documentary-style play observing the challenges of immigration status in America. 
Written by Karen Zacarias and tabbed as an Arts Alive SDSU signature event, “Just Like Us” runs Friday, Sept. 27 through Sunday, Oct. 6, in SDSU’s Experimental Theatre.  

The plot follows four teenage Latinx girls in Denver — two of whom are undocumented and two who are — through young adulthood. As the girls grow 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, director and SDSU associate professor.   Student actress Diana Ramirez said that it is important to take art and politicize it, and hopes this production will set the tone for more political realities in art.   “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.”
For Cirino, this play and the issues of immigration resonates with him.  

“I want the issue of immigration to be one of the topics that stay at the forefront of the SDSU community,” said Cirino.   “I have had a personal history with the issue of immigration. I am the son of that very difficult issue. 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.”   General admission tickets are $20, and $17 for seniors, military, and students. For tickets, directions and parking information, visit ttf.sdsu.edu.