Click here to subscribe today or Login.
Tuesday, February 08, 2000 Page: 16
How did they feel? Where did they sleep? How did they sleep? What did they
wear? What did they eat? To a child, the word “immigrant” might seem a
foreign word these days, and the questions that might arise during a study of
immigration can be endless. The Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble, through its 22nd
annual “Theatre in the Classroom” tour, seeks to shed light on the fact and
fiction surrounding immigration. This year’s presentation, “Passage to
America: The Immigrant Experience” came to Rice Elementary on Wednesday and
Thursday and provided the children with an educational as well as entertaining
experience. For one hour, the Rice pupils journeyed into “the golden land”
and listened to energetic storytelling and music and watched actors and
actresses use imaginative props and personal style to bring intensely personal
immigrant stories to life. “We are so proud to share the very personal
stories of the immigrants who made so many sacrifices to begin a new life in
America,” Jennifer Smith and Daniel Roth, “Passage to America” directors,
said. “We have been humbled by their courage and perseverance in the face of
overwhelming obstacles.” The “Passage” tour continues until March 17. The
program offers teachers a chance to incoporate the theater experience into
their day’s lesson. Before a school performance, teachers receive a study
guide for use in their classrooms. Booking dates are still available, and
teachers, administrators or PTA leaders can call the theater ensemble’s
school-programs director, Paula Henry, at 458-4075 for more information.