‘WET: A DACAmented Journey’ – Written and performed by Alex Alpharaoh, Directed by Brisa Areli Munoz; Costume Design, Niki Hernandez-Adams; Lighting Design, Aaron Johansen; Sound Design, Broken Chord; Scenic Coordinator, Bradley Gray; Scenic and Costume Artist, Nery Cividanis; Lobby Installation, Nicolas Gonzalez; Jointly presented by ArtsEmerson, Cara Mía Theatre and Ignite/Arts Dallas at the Emerson Paramount Center’s Jackie Liebergott Black Box, 559 Washington Street, Boston through November 25, 2018.
Jumping out right from the headlines and onto the stage is Alex Alpharaoh’s deeply personal account of his perilous journey to become an American citizen. Having entered the country as an infant with his 15-year-old mother, he grew up – and continues to live – in the California metropolis, the only place he has known as home. American in every way, except on paper, WET: A DACAmented Journey, running at Emerson’s Paramount Black Box through November 25, depicts his maze-like process of trying to attain citizenship.
Written and performed by award-winning, spoken word artist Alpharaoh, this 90-minute play adds to the theatrical genre by solo performers who identify with a hip-hop sensibility about character-propelled stories regarding the immigrant experience, particularly those of color.
Staged in a three-quarter round with a bare-bone set – a bench, three stools, and an urban mural – Alpharaoh jumps among three predominant voices. As the narrator, the character of Alex speaks directly to the audience and relays the Catch 22 process of lotteries, required documentation, and their accompanying fees. Named for Alpharaoh’s given moniker, the character of Anner depicts the emotional and psychological elements of the play’s events. And the perspective of Alpharaoh defines the experience via his hip-hop riffs, giving meaning and texture to the unfolding scenes.
Twisting and turning through every bureaucratic hoop, Alpharaoh is determined to reach his goal, despite the dangers of deportation and Trump’s battle to deny the DREAMers their due. His saga of WET – at times poignant, funny, frustrating or frenetic – offers an honest look into the immigrant story, one that will likely linger long after this eight city tour closes in Boston. For tickets and information, go to: https://artsemerson.org
