SAN MARCOS -- A play about the dangers and hardships immigrants face in
crossing the border illegally drew rave reviews and tears from audiences at
Cal State San Marcos over the weekend.
The play, called "Cruces," or "crosses" in English, was written by Palomar
College and MiraCosta College Professor Carlos von Son. It played to capacity
crowds Saturday and Sunday at Cal State's 150-seat theater.
"The play was amazing," teary-eyed community advocate Tina Jillings told the audience moments after Sunday's performance ended. "It was truthful and real. It's tough. ... My people are dying and we need to stand up and say 'That's enough.' "
The play seemed to touch many in the audience.
"It was incredible," said MiraCosta College student Courtney Evan.
Von Son said he was inspired to write the play, which was performed in
Spanish, by the experiences of migrants crossing the border between San Diego
and Mexico.
The play tells the stories of 12 migrants who get separated while crossing the
border before ending up in different areas, but with similar fates.
Von Son said he hopes his play helps people better understand the risks
immigrants take when crossing the border in search of a better life.
"My object is to raise awareness," von Son said.
He said the federal government's illegal immigration crackdown known as
Operation Gatekeeper and the San Diego Minutemen and other anti-illegal
immigration activists have forced immigrants to cross the border at riskier
places, subjecting many of them to cold conditions in the mountains, the heat
of the desert and border vigilantes.
He said said that after visiting a cemetery in Holtsville dedicated to dead
illegal immigrants, he decided to investigate and to tell the stories behind
the nameless grave crosses placed near the borders.
"These people don't really want to leave their community," von Son said. "Most
of them are honest people."
A Mexican folkloric dance group called Tierra Caliente performed for 20
minutes before the show, and solo guitarist Eduardo Parra entertained the
audience with Charanga-style music during scene changes and as background
music for the play.
The five-scene play was performed by volunteer actors from the SubUrban Troupe
and Teatro Molcajete. The play was directed by Diana Cabuto, a Cal State
student and local actress and play director.
"The actors and director are great," von Son said. "I wrote this play, and
every time I see it I still cry."