Theater in D.C.: Kennedy Center, WET: A DACAmented Journey

The Kennedy Center recently hosted the 17th Annual Hip-Hop Theater Festival.

The festival features contemporary plays about hip-hop life, music and dance.

Before the performance began, we enjoyed an DJ (pictured below) playing hip-hop musical masterpieces from the 80's forward.  The venue included a space for dancing and many of the audience members got into the groove.  

Following the music and dancing, we enjoyed a play written and acted by an undocumented American.  

The play's protagonist Alex first arrived in the U.S. from Guatemala as a six-month-old infant, nearly dying at the end of the month-long journey to America.  Fast forward 30 years, Alex has Dreamer status and is working toward getting a Green Card.  

One requirement for a Green Card is legal entry into the U.S.  So, Alex has to leave and legally reenter in the midst of the new administration's crackdown on illegal immigration and the travel ban for certain groups.  Most of the play revolves around the emotionally charged journey from the U.S. to Guatemala and then Alex's attempt to return to the U.S.  

The play is presented as a mix of monologue and spoken rap that together artfully tell the story of what it means to be an undocumented American.   You can see for yourself by clicking here.

Thanks for joining us at the Kennedy Center.