Students Use Theater to Address Immigration, Diversity

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A group of Hinkley High School students used live theater to deal with issues of immigration and diversity that they face every day. Hinkley students addressed their own struggles with these issues through a series of monologues and a one-act play entitled "Faces of Freedom," by Cynthia Metcalf.

Hinkley High School is one of the most diverse schools in the metro area.


	“While practicing for this show, there was one thing I did not fully understand: why immigration was so controversial. But as I thought about the play we performed, it all began to make sense. That was my purpose--to understand my character's story and portray it." - Monique Sias Hinkley High School student

To prepare for the presentation, students researched their own heritages as well the history and laws that govern immigration. Through poetry, prose and set to music, the students passionately voiced their concerns about immigration and diversity.


	"This hopefully will not only be seen as just a play. For me, this was an eye-opening experience into a new world of struggles, sorrows, and stories. On a more personal level, it is human, and everyone can appreciate and relate to that." - Jordan Peterson Hinkley High School senior

Photos by Edward Cypher

"The students did not choose sides, but dealt openly and honestly with the issues," said theater teacher Annell Weissenbuehler.

The students performed on a gray stage that symbolized diversity and that immigration is not just a black and white issue. Each student wore a different color of the rainbow to represent all the peoples of the world.


	"This play has taught me above all that race and national origin are divisions we have created to separate ourselves. We are really all the same; we are all humans searching for somewhere to call home." - James Bonner Hinkley High School junior

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