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The Forum Theater Project premieres Thursday, March 12 and Friday, March 13 at the Attic Theater, on the campus of Trinity University. Performances begin at 8 p.m. and admission is free. There will also be a performance on Saturday, March 14 at 10:30 p.m. at Luminaria on the Convention Center Stage. The project was funded by a grant from the Artist's Foundation of San Antonio.
 Attic Rep web site
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March 12, 2009 · In recent years the U.S./Mexico border has become increasingly hostile. Many non-legal immigrants are dying from exposure to harsh conditions as they attempt to cross into Texas. Violence from drug cartels is increasing and recently the U-S Department of Homeland Security began building a wall that stretches along parts of the border. Valerie Cortenas grew up in Laredo and remembers how things used to be.
“It’s really interesting to see the progression from how we used to put water outside our doors – we used to leave our windows unlocked – we used to help illegal’s that come into our neighborhood and now it’s a fear – and a wall that’s put up between what tradition used to be about – welcoming, accepting and helping – and now being fearful of drugs and cartels and desperate people,” said Cortenas.
Cortenas and other members of ensemble cast at Attic Rep are attempting to address issues surrounding the border using a concept called Forum Theater.
“This topic is complex that you cannot really define in a very simple way and create a very structured and linear narrative. And the objective is to create a platform for dialogue about border and wall issues. So the manner in which we will accomplish our objective is pretty fluid. – it depends on what the ensemble decides to do,” said Roberto Prestigiacomo, an Artistic Director at Attic Rep
Here’s how that process works. Actors will present an improvised scene where one individual is oppressing another. As the scene ends - the actors will discuss the dynamics of what was performed and then they will give an audience member a chance come onto stage and be a part of the scene. Marisa LaBarera is an actor in the company.
“There’s an opportunity for the audience to actually incite change and affect the story and in turn – most of the process when the audience comes to see it – is dialogue – so there will be a discussion,” said LaBarera.
For the actors to completely understand the world they’re trying portray they had to find the stories of those who experienced adversity. Many spent time down on the border recording stories of those who risked their lives. This man identified only as Victor shared his story with one of the cast members.
“So we’re going to go – cross the river – go through the woods and the cactus and all that – and then we’re going to get to a place – where they’re trying stops to be checked by the immigration,” said Victor
Some actors didn’t have far to look to find stories about crossing the borders. The parents of company members Marisa LaBarera and Anna De Luna crossed the border illegally.
“Was it Mexico or was it the United States – story goes the papers were changed and really he lived the American dream through hard work and providing education for his children,” said LaBarera.
“I got a lot of details from her crossings – she tried to cross twice – she got across a second time,” said DeLuna.
But physical walls aren’t the only issue that will be addressed. Again Roberto Prestigiacomo.
“And walls is not just the physical wall that divides Mexico and the United States – but are all the metaphorical walls that we all everyday encounter whenever we enter in a relationship and communication with other people.”
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