Randolph, Toni

Description

The United States has been called a big melting pot because of its rich immigrant history. But things are often difficult for people newly-arrived in the US. The Illusion Theater in downtown Minneapolis explores the mixed reception immigrants and other minorities have received in its latest production "Undesirable Elements: Ten Years Later." "Undesirable Elements" is a journey through history. It starts in the 1830s and makes its way to the present day, highlighting events along the way that have had an impact on the seven members of the cast. And the cast isn't made up of fictional characters played by actors. These are real people, telling their own stories. There's a Russian Jew, a Puerto Rican, an Ojibwe woman and an African-American...a Hmong woman, a Filipino and an American of Chinese descent. The latter is Ping Chong, an award-winning theater director and choreographer who created the show.

Record Contributed By

Minnesota Public Radio