14
by CTX Theatre - Concordia University

Nov. 04 - Nov. 07, 2021
Thursday-Sunday

This November, Concordia University Texas Theatre presents José Casas’ “14,” a poignant dive into immigration, policy, and identity across the Mexican-American border.

“14” examines the topic of immigration through a rare medium — the people it directly impacts. Casas brings stories from both sides of the border wall together, weaving a subtle tale of hard questions and harder answers. Each character’s life has been forever changed by the border crisis and the dialogue and policy surrounding it, and they offer no simple understanding or solution.

Casas forms his characters from interviews conducted with real people living on the Arizona-Mexico border, bringing an unparalleled authenticity to their stories. These raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal monologues bring light and character to the real people who are faced with the reality of immigration every day and make it clear that there are no easy ways to fix this problem, but it needs fixing all the same.

For many Concordia students, border issues are not only examined as part of the curriculum (for example, through this year’s common reader, “A Dream Called Home”) but also directly impact their lives. Senior Madeline Silvestro’s brother was sent to the border with the National Guard just as rehearsals began. She said:

The play became incredibly real in a way that I hadn’t experienced before. Since we're in a border state, immigration affects all of us. Immigration is also one of many issues that are hard to conceptualize. I think Casas has done that remarkably well with this script. Seeing this play, you get all the different perspectives that often get ignored or discounted, and they all get an equal voice. It's powerful.

For more information about the plays and to purchase tickets, please visit concordia.edu/theatre.

The cast includes:

• Diego Benitez as Oscar Garcia
• Kristen Burkhart as Lacey Williams
• Preston Galban as Roger Tate and Reverend Clay Nash
• Christian Garza as Antonio Loera
• Angel Hart as Charlie Clarkson
• Von Hart as Alexis Franco
• Ana Lara as Luz Ortiz and Monica Ores
• Tyler Ortega as Matteo “Matthew” Logan and José Reynosa
• Jennifer Rodriguez as Marta Ramirez and Michelle Rodriguez
• Emily Sandler as Denise Hudson
• Sterling Stephens as Omar Castillo
• Kendra Theimer as Dr. Snezena Kuftinic

Madeline Silvestro serves as the stage manager and Matt Cole as the assistant stage manager.

“14” will be staged by the director of the School Fine Arts, Dr. Kelly Carolyn Gordon, with lighting and set design by Kendra Wiley and lighting by associate designer Nick Vallee. About Concordia University Texas

Founded in 1926, Concordia University Texas is proud to be Austin’s leading Christian university, where Christ is honored and students of all backgrounds are welcome. We are guided by our vision to be the premier university where the adventure of faith, learning, and life-changing experiences leads to meaningful work.

CTX is a regionally accredited institution of higher education, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees through a variety of delivery methods. We offer more than 20 majors across four colleges.

Concordia’s campus, unique in its natural setting on a preserve, is conveniently located minutes from both downtown Austin and the Texas Hill Country. Our location provides students with resources and opportunities to learn, explore, and thrive in the best of both worlds — a small school and a big city.

 

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14
by Roberto Prestigiacomo
CTX Theatre - Concordia University

The play will be performed in Concordia’s Black Box Theatre on November 4-6, 2021 at 7:30 p.m. and November 7 at 2 p.m. General admission single-play tickets are $10. Tickets can be purchased online or at the door. “14” is appropriate for adult audiences.

Concordia's CTX Theatre will follow the COVID-19 safety protocols implemented by the University: concordia.edu/resources/ctx-safety/coronavirus-info.html.