The Immigrant Experience in California through Literature and Theatre

FAIN: ES-50503-13

San Jose State University Research Foundation (San Jose, CA 95112-5569)
Matthew Spangler (Project Director: March 2013 to March 2015)

A two-week summer institute for twenty-five school teachers that would explore the immigrant experience in California through literary works and theatrical adaptations.

San Jose State University (SJSU) and the Silicon Valley Center for Global Studies, a research center at SJSU, propose to host a Summer Insitute for 25 school teachers from July 13-27, 2014, titled: "The Immigrant Experience in California through Literature and Theatre." The institute seeks to deepen participants' knowledge about literary texts and theatre productions that document the immigrant experience and the legacy of immigration in California.

Media Coverage

Immigrant Tales (Media Coverage)
Publication: American Theatre Magazine
Date: 6/1/2014

Associated Products

Theatre and Transnational Migration (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Theatre and Transnational Migration
Author: Matthew Spangler
Abstract: This breakout session will explore some of the ways in which theatre and other forms of narrative-based live performance have been used to represent contemporary examples of transnational migration to the United States. Special attention will be paid to racial and ethnic minorities, undocumented migrants, and refugees and asylum seekers. Each panelist will discuss a different theatrical methodology as it has been used to engage the migration experience. Methodologies will include: interview-based verbatim theatre, oral history, solo performance, adaptation of literature and other non-dramatic texts, and community based theatre. This breakout session grows out of a National Endowment for the Humanities Institute on theatre and immigration that will be held at San José State University in July 2014. http://immigrationtheatreinstitute.org.
Date: 6-20-14
Primary URL: http://tcg2014.pathable.com/?
Conference Name: Theatre Communications Group

Performance Exchange (Conference/Institute/Seminar)
Title: Performance Exchange
Abstract: After meeting at the NEH Institute in San Jose, CA, high school teachers Faisal Mohyuddin, Aaron Becker, and John Ehresman conceived of an exchange of three subjects (English, Spanish, Social Studies), three different schools (Evanston Township H.S., North Lawndale College Prep, Highland Park H.S.), and three different demographics. The teachers selected one of their classes of students to participate in the exchange. Each class visited the other schools once, and during that visit, the visiting students were supposed to have created and directed the activities. After the hour's activities, students were assigned a shadow and they attended classes with their partner and lunch as well. After the final school visit, all three groups united at Northwestern University for a "summit," where Lakin Valdez led a performance-based workshop.
Date Range: October 2014 to May 2015
Location: Chicago, IL
Primary URL: http://www.evanstonroundtable.com/main.asp?SectionID=16&SubSectionID=27&ArticleID=9822?

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