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Congresswoman Delia Ramirez of Illinois’s 3rd district recognized the Albany Park Theater Project and and their current production, Port of Entry, in the U.S. House of Representatives this week.
Port of Entry, created with Third Rail Projects, immerses audiences in the lives of immigrants from various backgrounds through an interactive theatre experience set in Albany Park, one of Chicago’s most diverse neighborhoods. During each performance, the cast leads small groups of audience members through intricately detailed homes, encouraging them to interact with cherished items, join in games and activities, and share food and drink while immersing themselves in the characters’ narratives.
Illinois Theatre Professor Scott C. Neale designed the set and has served as Resident Scenic Designer for Albany Park Theater Project in Chicago since 2006. “It’s been a privilege of a lifetime to be just a small part of the APTP family for almost 18 years,” said Neale. “With every project we have done, I am always reminded with heartfelt clarity why I chose theatre for a living and how the arts have the power to literally change the world.”
Ramirez’s speech celebrated APTP and Port of Entry for highlighting the resilience, struggles, and triumphs of immigrant families. As the daughter of Guatemalan immigrants, she emphasized the importance of authentically telling and celebrating immigrant stories. Ramirez praised the theatre’s 27-year legacy of empowering youth through the arts and using storytelling to foster empathy and connection, especially in a time of divisive rhetoric: “Today at a time when members of this chamber and the incoming administration are threatening to tear our communities apart and would question who gets to be American and who doesn’t, this play feels so timely and vital.”
Port of Entry will resume performances on February 13, 2025 and run through April 26. Tickets will go for sale in January 2025.
You can view Rameriz’s full address on YouTube.