Overview
Winner of four NAACP Theatre Awards, DETAINED offers a heart-wrenching and in-depth look at the human lives behind U.S. immigration policies and a concise history of the legislation that got us here. Based on interviews with longtime U.S. residents held in immigration detention, their family members, advocates, attorneys and representatives of ICE, DETAINED explores how families fight to stay together as increasingly cruel U.S. immigration legislation keeps them apart, delivering a poignant, timely reflection on human dignity in the face of dehumanizing systems. Perfect for producers seeking socially relevant plays, DETAINED sparks conversation about the intersection of immigration, race, and the flawed U.S. justice system.
Casting & Production
Casting
The play should be performed as an Ensemble, with actors taking on various roles. The suggested cast size is 8-12 actors of various ages, ethnic backgrounds, and genders.
The world premier production at The Fountain Theatre consisted of an ensemble of 8. Roles were divided as follows:
ENSEMBLE 1: Latina, Female
CLAUDIA — 60s; an immigration attorney; immigrated from Argentina
(This role should not be double cast with any other character. The actor will only play Claudia.)
ENSEMBLE 2: Black, Male
WARREN — 40s; a U.S. Veteran from Trinidad
RAVI — 40s-50s; West-Indies descent; an activist
EMANUEL — 50s; immigrated from Haiti, an intellectual who suffers from bi-polar/schizophrenia disorder
ENSEMBLE 3: Black, Male
AMADOU — 20s; an actor; immigrated from Guinea
ABRAHAM — 30s; a recent graduate of Columbia University, immigrated from Eritrea
ENSEMBLE 4: Latina, Female
MELIDA — 50s; a roofer and mother; immigrated from Guatemala
AURELIA — 30s; a wife and mother from Columbia
ENSEMBLE 5: Latina, Female
MERCEDES — 20; Melida’s daughter; born and raised in the U.S.
ESTAFANY — 19; Henry’ sister, first generation Mexican-American; American citizen
ENSEMBLE 6: Black, Female
NYALA — 30s; immigrated from Ethiopia
FRANCE-LUCE — 40s; playwright; American citizen of Haitian descent
BERNADETTE — 40s; Haitian-American; Emanuel’s sister
ENSEMBLE 7: Latino, Male
FREDDY — 20s; an aspiring Chef; born in El Salvador
HENRY — 12; first generation Mexican-American; Estafany’s brother
ENSEMBLE 8: White, Male
PAUL — 50s/60s; American citizen; a former Judge and previous Board member of Immigration Appeals
SPAULDING — 50s; an attorney for the Department of Homeland Security
The following roles may be assigned at Director’s discretion and may be any age, gender, or race:
TRANSLATOR
ICE OFFICERS
JUDGES
SOLDIERS
GUARDS
Individual lines under “Ensemble Member” may be assigned by director.
Judges, Soldiers, Officers, Guards, and all other one-liners may be assigned as director sees fit.
CASTING NOTE
Directors may assign/double cast roles at their own discretion. The Fountain Theatre’s casting indicated in the character breakdown is merely a suggestion.
Universities and educational institutions may opt not to double cast to provide more opportunity for students.
Setting
PLACE
America, land of the free.
TIME
Now.
Reviews
“A HUMAN PLAY which cannot fail to touch the hearts of those who view it… This is A NOT-TO-BE-MISSED PRODUCTION.”
— Splash Magazine
“GO!… EXCITING AND MEANINGFUL… Strong ensemble acting and a meaningful script… Invite your friends. Pass it on.”
— On Stage Los Angeles
“FOUR STARS… BRAVE AND SHOCKING…The people whose stories are memorialized here remind all of us that we have the power to dismantle a corrupt, inhuman system.”
— TotalTheater.com
