Gum-Dip Theatre’s “Denied Admission” examines the boundaries of personal liberty in a new play based on credible fear interviews of asylum seekers who crossed the southern U.S. border.
The play runs July 25 through 27 at 8 p.m., and July 28 at 2 p.m.; Aug. 1 through 3 at 8 p.m.; and Aug. 4 at 2 p.m. at The Center (118 W. Market St., in Akron). Tickets may be purchased at www.gumdiptheatre.com/deniedadmission, or at the door at a pay-what-you-can rate.
For every ticket sold, 25% will be donated to Akron Interfaith Immigrant Advocates, who are currently assisting with legal aid for asylum seekers.
“Denied Admission” follows three asylum seekers who cross the U.S. southern border coming from Honduras, Somalia and Guatemala. Gum-Dip Theatre devised the original work from transcripts of credible fear interviews.
The idea for “Denied Admission” was born out of a meeting one year ago, where Artistic Director Katie Beck met with two local advocates who desired to build empathy for migrants through highlighting their stories in seeking asylum.
At the end of the performance, audience members will be asked to consider whether they think each of the characters in the play would be granted asylum or not — an anonymous, simple survey to test and see how they perceive. Have the characters truly proved that they are afraid for their lives?
Each performance will be followed by a 30-minute talkback with a professional or advocate currently working with asylum seekers. Some speakers include immigration lawyer Farhad Sethna, Esq. on July 25, and Tania Nemer, Magistrate for Akron Municipal Court, on Aug 2.
Visit www.gumdiptheatre.com for info.
