Rogue Productions and 50 Playwrights Project present staged reading of Karen Zacarías’s Just Like Us
Monday, November 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Stages Repertory Theatre
Rogue Productions and 50 Playwrights Project are thrilled to present a staged reading of JUST LIKE US by Karen Zacarías, one of American Theatre Magazine’s most produced playwrights in the country during the 2017-18 season.
Shortly after President Trump eliminated DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), Karen Zacarías posted on Facebook that she would be waiving the rights for anyone who wanted to produce a staged reading of her play. Theatre artists, activists, and community leaders all across the nation responded to Zacarías’ call. Rogue Productions and 50 Playwrights Project are excited to bring this national conversation to Houston audiences. This is a FREE reading. All profits from this event will be donated to assist DACA recipients through United We Dream and Harvey First Responders through Assist The Officer, Inc.
Based on Helen Thorpe’s bestselling book, JUST LIKE US is a documentary-style play that follows four Latina teenage girls in Denver—two of whom are documented and two who are not—through young adulthood. Their close-knit friendships begin to unravel when immigration status dictates the girls’ opportunities, or lack thereof. When a political firestorm arises, each girl’s future becomes increasingly complicated. JUST LIKE US poses difficult, yet essential questions about what makes us American.
“They’re all straight-A students and leaders in their school, but it addresses how the two girls who have documents have opportunities that the two undocumented women don’t,” says playwright Karen Zacarías. “DACA kids are good students, they’re committed to being in the community, they don’t have a police record, they have so much to bring to the American citizenry.”
“In the aftermath of Harvey, and in light of recent worldwide events, providing accessible and relevant theatre feels more important than ever before,” admits Rogue Productions Co-Artistic Directors Rachael Logue and Chelsea Ryan McCurdy. “Rogue Productions had been searching for a way to give back to the community and address issues right here at home. This play feels like the perfect piece to offer to Houston as we are still recovering.”
The staged reading of JUST LIKE US will take place on Monday, November 6, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. at Stages Repertory Theatre (3201 Allen Parkway, Houston TX 77019).
Tickets can be reserved online at www.spacecitytix.com/RogueProductions or at the door.
This is a FREE reading. All profits from this event will be donated to assist DACA recipients through United We Dream and Harvey First Responders through Assist The Officer, Inc.
Cast and Crew
Director: Kayla Boffone
Dramaturg: Trevor Boffone
Stage Manager: Alivia Arizaga
Actors: Vivi Collymore, Luis Galindo, Courtney Lomelo, Cristina Martinez, Emily Mesa, Melissa Molano, Anna Maria Morris, Gabriel Regojo, Briana Resa, and Matt Wasson
About Rogue Productions
Rogue Productions was started by Chelsea Ryan McCurdy and Rachael Logue, both local performers who grew up on the stages of Houston. Inspired by the growing theatre scene in Houston, we took the next step into making our own contribution to the awesome swirling vortex of art here in our home town.
Our mission is to create accessible theatrical experiences that represent the diverse population of our city. We aim to tell stories to which all Houstonians can relate. We also strive to support the artistic economy of Houston by offering competitive compensation for the artists we employ. For more information, visit RogueProductionsHTX.com
