'I Come From Arizona': How theater can help children engage in challenging conversations

A couple weeks ago, I saw a play at the Children's Theatre in Minneapolis titled "I Come From Arizona." Written by Carlos Murillo, the play is in both Spanish and English. It tells the story of a 14-year-old Mexican-American girl named Gabi, who has recently been accepted into Chicago's most prestigious public high school, Northside Prep.

While Gabi transitions into an environment that is starkly different from her community in Chicago's southside, her father has returned to see his dying father — whom Gabi has never met. The play follows Gabi from her home, to high school and ultimately on a winding journey to discover her family's origins.

I talked to castmembers Ayssette Munoz and Nora Montanez about the importance of plays that challenge the global perspective of audience members.

"I Come From Arizona" is running at the Children Theatre through November 25.

You can listen to the full discussion using the audio player above.