Just Like Us by Karen Zacar-ías invites audiences into the experiences of young Latin-American women trying to navigate their cultural identities. Starting on May 16, 2025, the production poses difficult yet essential questions about what makes us American.
Based on a book of the same title by Helen Thorpe, Just Like Us follows four high school girls – two of whom are documented, two of whom are not – whose parents immigrated from Mexico. As a non-fiction work, elements of the true story are brought to life by documentary-style storytelling in the play. “Just Like Us stands out because it blends documentary-style storytelling with deeply personal narrative,” says Carolina González Riaño, a lecturer for Crown College and the director of the play. “It is rooted in journalism but feels like a heartfelt conversation. I think that mix makes it really special.”
Originally performed in 2013, Just Like Us has seen a series of new productions around the country given its relevance to today’s political climate. Theater is often a vehicle for awareness and political change. Just Like Us is no different. Over a quarter of the student body at UC Santa Cruz identify as Chicanx/Latinx. Many of the cast and crew identify as such, but there is also a broad range of backgrounds amongst them.
The production incorporates both elements of English and Spanish as a reflection of both the way the characters speak and as of who they are. The struggles the protagonists endure are still affecting people today, and theater is here to broach that conversation.
“I hope audiences leave with a deeper understanding of how immigration policy impacts real people,” says Riaño. “Not as statistics or headlines, but as daughters, friends, students.” For Riaño this production has been a labor of love that is meant to bring the community together.
Community members are welcome, and tickets are available for purchase on Eventbrite. This enriching tale reflects real struggles that are just as relevant today as they were a decade ago. “There’s a shared awareness in the cast about the story’s broader significance, which brings depth to the process from the very beginning,” says Riaño. “I think it will resonate deeply with audiences, especially here in California, where these themes are so present in our daily lives.”
May 16, 17, 22, 23, 24 – 7:30 PM
May 18 & 25 – 3PM
Theater Arts Mainstage
UC Santa Cruz
411 Kerr Road
Santa Cruz, California 95064
Tickets Available on Eventbrite
$5 – $20 (Pay what you can)
Free for undergrad students – ticket required.