Performance, Identity, and Immigration Law A Theatre of Undocumentedness

The topic of US immigration law provokes passionate conversations. This book engages directly with these pressing debates and begins with a straightforward question: How has contemporary American theatre presented so-called undocumented immigrants? Juxtaposing the work of artists such as Josefina López, Genny Lim, Arthur Miller, Ntare Mwine, Octavio Solis, and Culture Clash, Guterman highlights how an express attention to legal labels enriches our studies of identity. Placing theatre artists and their work within a context of on-going debate, he shows how theatre fills an essential role in a critical conversation by exploring the powerful ways in which legal labels affect and change us.

Gad Guterman is Assistant Professor and Head of the Theatre Studies and Dramaturgy Program in the Conservatory of Theatre Arts at Webster University, USA. His work has appeared in journals such as Theatre Survey, Theatre Journal, Journal of American Drama and Theatre, and Contemporary Theatre Review.

1. Act § 237(a)(1)(B): Present in Violation of Law
2. Act § 275(a): Improper Entry by Alien
3. Act § 274A: Unlawful Employment of Aliens
4. Act § 212(a)(9)(B)(iii)(III): Family Unity
5. Act § 331: Alien Enemies
6. Act § 505: Appeals