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An Immigrant Class
Adapted by Shawn Douglass
From “An Immigrant Class: Oral Histories from Chicago’s Newest Immigrants”
By Jeff Libman
Directed by Linda Gillum
Produced by Remy Bumppo’s think Tank
At Victory Gardens Greenhouse Theatre
2257 N. Lincoln Ave.
Chicago, IL
Call 773-871-3000, tickets $20 - $15 for students
Thursdays & Fridays at 7 pm
Saturdays at 8 pm
Sundays at 3:30 pm
Running time is 90 minutes with no intermission
Through April 15, 2007
Poignant oral histories of out newest immigrants
Remy Bumppo’s thinkTank project is an attempt to reach out into the community to offer theatre pieces that stimulate discussion because of the diversity of opinion that can lead to action. An Immigrant Class, adapted by Shawn Douglass is a tight, articulate oral history nicely mounted by director Linda Gillum that features four strong actors playing actual folks who have immigrated to Chicago.
These moving stories sure break through the stereotypes associated by recent immigration: The four have amazing true oral histories. Charin Alvarez plays Pilar Landa who emigrated from Cuba after being educated in Russia as an engineer, she and her husband became political prisoners in Cuba. They arrived in Chicago in 1995 having attained political asylum. Alvarez exudes charm and genuine warm as she tells her harrowing story.
Phillip Brannon portrays Amadou Tandina who arrived in Chicago in 1997 from West Africa with his American woman friend under a ‘fiancée visa.’ He speaks of the adjustments to life in America and yearns. He comes across as a truly nice guy.
Tony Sancho plays Eli Ramirez who smuggled himself into the USA from Guatemala through Mexico. He simply wanted economic opportunity so he could make enough money to build a house in Guatemala for his family. His story rings honest as it demonstrates the desperation being poor can generate.
Rebecca Sohn portrays Elena Raskin, a 1995 arrival from Belarus (Russia). Her troubles arise from her being Jewish in a heavily anti-Semitic Russia. She also suffered political persecution. She loves America and staunchly defends life here.
These moving and interesting personal stories ring with honesty and sincerity. They dramatically put a face on immigrants as they poignantly tell of their struggles and the pain of leaving their homeland. We need to hear such stories so we can intelligently understand the plight of such folks. The piece was amazingly free of propaganda. It is simply four folks vividly telling their stories. We are enlightened by this piece and we can stay for the “talk back” after each performance. Kudos to Remy Bumppo for this needed project.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: March 24, 2007
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