produced by DANIELLE CHARBONNEAU
There are approximately 5 million undocumented children and young adults in the U.S., and about a million of them live in California. Most of them have grown up in America their entire lives and consider themselves American, but without legal documentation, are often unable to pursue higher education or legitimate employment. These Dreamers fear deportation and many are actively seeking a pathway to citizenship.
“Dreaming Sin Fronteras” is a traveling musical play, which visited USC on October 16. It explores the plight of undocumented youth and asks the question: What does it mean to be an American?
The show alternates between segments of live music, and monologues that are based on true stories. One of the stories featured in the show is that of Alejandra — a teenage girl from Colorado who was a victim of the Aurora movie theater shooting.
Musically, the show is a collaboration between Denver and Los Angeles-based artists. Director Antonio Mercado joined forces with Shawn King of Denver-based band DeVotchKa, who connected him with members of the Flobots, Ozomatli, Dialated Peoples and solo artist, Ceci Bastida.
Ampersand‘s Danielle Charbonneau spoke with the creative team of “Dreaming Sin Fronteras” to find out more.