Illegal: A New Musical

by Skyler Chin

Composed by Skyler Chin (MY’19), “Illegal” is a new musical blending rap, rock, and spoken word and is inspired by the true experiences of Skyler’s grandparents. “Illegal” traces the immigration journeys of several young people from China to the United States in 1923, when the US systematically enforced its Chinese Exclusion Act by separating families at the border and imprisoning them on Angel Island (in San Francisco Bay) for interrogations. Embodied by a cast dynamic and complex characters, “Illegal” asks the timely and timeless question, “What does it take to be(come) American?”

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This is inspired by one Chinese-American family’s immigration journey through Angel Island, though the story is universal; it speaks to the experiences of immigrants and excluded groups everywhere, which Yale and America need to hear, see, and understand.

ILLEGAL encourages and welcomes all people to audition, especially those from underrepresented racial backgrounds, whether they are Chinese or not; there were people from all over the world (e.g. India, Mexico, the Philippines) on the boats to Angel Island. Casting will be gender blind; we’re looking for enthusiastic people who can play the characters best. ILLEGAL tells the story of an excluded group through hip hop, song, humor, and poetry. If these resonate with you, we hope to see you at auditions!

For all inquiries, please contact:

olivia.facini@yale.edu

Performance Dates & Times

April 19, 2019 - 8:00pm

April 20, 2019 - 2:00pm

April 20, 2019 - 8:00pm

Location

Lighten Theater

Venue Accessibility:

Lobby is accessible via building entrance by the north Sachem Street gate. Upper lobby and balcony seating is located on the ground level. Lower lobby and stage level seating is accessible via an elevator. Facilities are located on both levels.