What does it mean to be an American? With the exception of Native Americans, it means that at some point you or your ancestors immigrated to the United States. Some to escape religious persecution, some because they were no longer safe in their native lands, and some because they were simply seeking a better life. Immigration is what has made America what it is today, the proverbial melting pot of diverse cultures and beliefs.
Despite this, immigration has become the hot topic for every politician seeing election. What do we do about our immigration problem? We have gone from a nation that inscribed on our Statue of Liberty, “Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free“ to a nation that now discusses ad nauseum how to control the problem, especially of the influx of our southern neighbors. Yes, times have changed and there is definitely a situation in our country today that needs fixing. But is the answer truly to shut up our borders and forget our past? Forget what it is that has made us who we are today?
AMERICAN NIGHT by Richard Montoya tackles this topic beautifully. It is an irreverent romp through American history told through the experiences of the people who are generally glossed over in the white man’s history book, the ethnic minorities. The main character Juan Jose, played by René Millán, falls asleep studying the night before his citizenship test – a test which ironically the majority of natural born American citizens would be unable to pass – and goes on a journey through American history. He meets Louis and Clark, but spends his time with Sacagawea. He meets black farmers in west Texas, goes to a Japanese internment camp, and gets advice from Jackie Robinson.
The culturally diverse cast of nine does a fantastic job of melding from one character to another. Daisuke Tsuji plays parts as varied as an awkward Mormon missionary to an over the top Japanese game show host. With the exception of Juan Jose, all of the characters encountered in his spirit dream are over the top stereotypes or caricatures, which serves as a perfect vehicle to deliver such a topical, controversial subject. The comedy makes it palatable, without losing the effectiveness of the message.
The costume design by ESosa is fabulously ridiculous and accentuates the over-the-top characters beautifully. They are bold, bright and help to reveal parts of the characters that might otherwise be overlooked. Sacagawea wears headgear and stripped leggings because she was only a teenager when she helped Louis and Clark through the wilderness. Neil Patel’s scenic design compliments the stories and characters perfectly, yet is simple enough to flow effortlessly with the ever-changing locations of Juan Jose’s dream.
AMERICAN NIGHT THE BALLAD OF JUAN JOSE is an irreverent romp that speaks a truth through laughter and stereotypes. It is a play that everyone should see because it asks more questions than it answers and truly inspires thought long after the curtain has fallen. Hatred is not an American value, it is unfortunately a part of American history, and will have a part in America’s future, but may we strive to never let it become the whole.
Kirk Douglas Theatre
Through April 1
Tickets: www.centertheatregroup.org or 213-628-2772
Kat Michels is a two time regional Emmy award-winning writer with an AAS in video production and a BFA in theatre.
