The Intersection of Theater & Immigration Rights Advocacy

Law enforcement leaders read DREAMer stories

Monday, October 14, 10:00am – 11:30am

Organized by Gary Steuer, president & CEO, Bonfils-Stanton Foundation; and Rita Valente, producing director, Motus Theater.

Presented by Margaret Hunt, executive director, Colorado Creative Industries; Oscar Juarez Luna, Motus performer and digital & grassroots fundraising coordinator at Padres y Jóvenes Unidos; and Mike Butler, Longmont public safety chief, City of Longmont.

In 2017, Motus Theater brought law enforcement leaders of Boulder County to their stage to stand in solidarity with and read the autobiographical monologues of undocumented young adults. The performance intended to dispel the dangerous and false association between criminality and immigration status, emphasize the assets undocumented immigrants bring to the community, and support public safety for all. This groundbreaking performance – which was featured on NPR, USA Today, Fast Company, and American Theater Magazine, as well as on local papers – influenced the national and local conversation about immigration. Motus Theater and Bonfils-Stanton Foundation will share a screening of the film version of “Law Enforcement Leaders Read DREAMer Stories” followed by a conversation between the audience and two performance participants: Oscar Juarez Luna, Motus performer and digital & grassroots fundraising coordinator at Padres y Jóvenes Unidos, and Mike Butler, Longmont public safety chief; as well as Margaret Hunt from Colorado Creative Industries, that, along with Bonfils-Stanton, funds Motus through grants strategically aimed to support art that engages social issues. This session explores the power of courageous and creative cross-sector alliances that strengthen intersectional alliances for the good of all.