News Summary
Santa Ana will host the premiere of the play ‘Tam Tran Goes to Washington’, featuring the story of Tam, an undocumented student at UCLA. Scheduled for October 4th, the event includes a panel discussion and a reception, addressing important issues about immigration and education. The play focuses on Tam’s journey as she advocates for the DREAM Act and highlights the struggles faced by undocumented youths. The event is free and aims to foster discussions on the impact of current immigration policies.
Santa Ana Hosts Premiere of “Tam Tran Goes to Washington”
Santa Ana will witness the premiere of the play “Tam Tran Goes to Washington” on October 4th, organized by Rafu Shimpo and East West Players. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Mix Academy, located inside Newsong Church at 1010 W. 17th St. The program is free to attend and features a discussion panel as well as a reception.
The play revolves around the main character, Tam Tran, portrayed by Stephanie Lee, who is a senior at UCLA. The narrative focuses on Tam’s challenges as she navigates life as an undocumented student while advocating for the DREAM Act. Her character’s life takes a dramatic turn when she is called to testify before Congress, which places her and her situation in the national spotlight.
Supporting Details of the Event
In addition to the main performance, the event will include a panel discussion moderated by Dr. Thuy Vo Dang, an assistant professor at UCLA. The expert panel will consist of notable figures, including:
- Ash Alvandi, Vice President of Orange County at Asian Americans Advancing Justice Southern California
- Michael Matsuda, Superintendent of the Anaheim Union High School District
- José A. Serrano, Director of the Orange County Office of Immigrant and Refugee Affairs (OIRA)
The event is supported by The Sun Family Foundation and The Tsao Family Foundation. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for the event through the provided link.
About the Play and Its Themes
“Tam Tran Goes to Washington” was written by Elizabeth Wong and is directed by Rona Par. The play not only addresses personal struggles faced by those with undocumented status but also highlights the broader social issues surrounding immigration and education. Tam’s best friend, Cinthya, is portrayed by actress Nina Santoyo, providing an additional layer to the story of friendship and resilience in the face of adversity.
The involvement of East West Players’ Theatre for Youth, supported by the California Arts Council and various foundations, underscores the organization’s commitment to educational programming and outreach within the arts community. The premiere of “Tam Tran Goes to Washington” is an opportunity for engaging discussions on current immigration policies and the experiences of young individuals affected by them.
Contextual Background
The struggle for the DREAM Act, aimed at providing a pathway for undocumented youth to achieve legal status, has been a significant issue in recent years. This play captures the essence of this pressing topic, contextualizing it through the lens of a young woman’s personal journey. By sharing Tam’s story, the production not only entertains but educates the audience about the realities many undocumented students face today.
As the premiere date approaches, community members and stakeholders alike are invited to attend, ensuring that this vital conversation around immigration and education continues in an impactful way.
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Additional Resources
- Rafu Shimpo: OC Premiere of “Tam Tran Goes to Washington”
- Wikipedia: DREAM Act
- Rafu Shimpo
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Immigration
- Google Search: Undocumented Students

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