By Joshua Samuels
Staff Writer
Reflecting the reality of many students across the country, California State University, Dominguez Hills’ theater department will produce the play “Undocumented,” from Oct. 12-21 at the University Theater.
“Undocumented” tells the story of Amalia Portilla, played by Melinda Oschmann, a school principal whose Latin Studies program is put in jeopardy unless she turns over the name of an undocumented worker she is protecting.
It’s an obviously timely play considering that immigration and the fate of undocumented people living in the country is one of the most contentious issues in contemporary America. It’s a polarizing subject and with President Donald Trump’s decision in Sept. 2017 to end DACA, which allows eligible immigrants who came to the U.S. as children to live and work here legally, the nearly 800,000 so-called Dreamers are living in a state of confusion.
“Undocumented” was written by Elaine Romero, an award-winning playwright who grew up in southern Orange County. She has written a trilogy of plays about the Mexico-U.S. border and her work has been produced at theaters across the country.
The overreaching message of the play is to encourage viewers to avoid making snap judgments in terms of race because “people [just] deserve more consideration,’ said director William Deluca,” a professor of theatre arts at CSUDH.
DeLuca said that “Undocumented,” which is intended for mature audiences, is an emotionally impactful show that features multimedia techniques that many viewers may not be familiar with. He anticipates sellouts.
“(There is) lots of excitement for the show; classes are already booking tickets,” DeLuca said.
“Undocumented” will be in the University Theater Oct. 12, 13, and 18 – 20 starting at 8 p.m. and Oct. 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $13-$18.
