Foreign language students of the university will perform the play “Aliens” on Saturday, April 30 at 5 p.m. 

   Performer and director J. Francisco Moreno said, ‘"Los Ilegales" is the story of two immigrants from Mexico: it presents the plights they face in everyday life in Mexico … They are forced to come to the U.S. because of the lack of employment and any prospects of ever finding a job that can allow them to feed their families. Their trek is filled with danger; once they are in the U.S. they are exploited and punished by everyone because they are illegally in the U.S. and cannot defend themselves.”

   The play, performed using both Spanish and English, confronts the modern issue of aliens. According to the United States Department of Commerce, half of the new residents added to the United State’s population between 2000 and 2003 were Hispanic. The 2000 U.S. census stated that Monticello’s third largest racial group was Hispanic.

   With growing numbers of immigrants and aliens, knowledge of Hispanic culture has become an asset. “Aliens” not only confronts the mechanics of illegal immigration but also gives insight into Hispanic culture.

   Moreno said, “Our goal is to inform and to create awareness of issues that affect us, in one way or another … and to "humanize" the "Alien."’

   Everyone is welcome to attend this free performance. The play is suited for mature audiences because of adult language and violent content. For more information send questions via e-mail to moreno@uamont.edu.