Nov. 27, 2018
By Eva Yeo

St. Lawrence University’s upcoming DIY Theatre course production of ¡Bocón! is expected to entertainingly heighten awareness on campus about prevalent Central American issues. Matters such as war, immigration and refugees will be addressed. The play follows the story of Miguel, a young Guatemalan boy who embarks on a journey of immigration and self-discovery after being separated from his family.

The plot begins and ends with the image of Miguel as a scared boy standing in an American courtroom. “That’s how many Americans often view refugees and immigrants—as powerless supplicants to our system,” said Megan Weaver, who directed ¡Bocón! at Arizona State University in 2012. “But ¡Bocón! then blows that image up to show Miguel’s strength through his voice, imagination, love for his parents and memories.”.

“There’s a very specific demographic here at St. Lawrence University. The upstate NY population lacks diversity,” said Isabelle Murray, a cast member and sophomore. “When we are given the opportunity to expose people to issues that are prevalent in other countries, it’s important to take advantage of the college platform and our role as peers. I think that students actively spreading awareness to other students is especially eye-opening.”

Throughout the play, Miguel becomes a storyteller through his cultural memory, mythological characters and folk tales that help him find his way. “There’s nothing that unites human beings like a good story,” said Weaver. “In sharing his story, Miguel refuses to be a victim. His character offers a glimpse into the uniqueness and richness of every human story seeking to cross our borders.”

Murray believes that the abstract format of the script and the use of minimal set pieces will allow the audience to use their imaginations and connect with the story on a personal level. She emphasized that the writer of the play, Lisa Loomer, created an open-ended time setting, so the DIY Theatre course chose to produce the show now because of the current political climate and debates surrounding issues of immigration and refugees.

Giovanni Amaro, a cast member and first-year student, believes that because Miguel’s character is so young, it’s easy for audiences to connect with him and develop a passion towards his story. “I want audiences to know that, aside from mythological aspects, and although this is a presentation, the show touches on real issues that are happening all over the world,” said Amaro. There is hope that ¡Bocón! will procure both awareness and an effort from students and the community to educate themselves on prevalent issues that the production will bring up.

¡Bocón! will be showing on Dec. 1, at 8:00 p.m. and Dec. 2, at 2:00 p.m. in the Edson R. Miles Black Box Theatre.