Ellis Island might have been a welcoming place for many immigrants to the United States, but Angel Island in the San Francisco Bay tells a more troubling history of immigrant detention. Starting next month, the Oakland Ballet will premiere “Angel Island Project,” a dance production highlighting the stories of immigrants, primarily from China, who were detained there in the early 20th century. As part of KQED’s annual Youth Takeover, high school students Nico and Maite bring together choreographers and a local historian to talk about the project and the lessons that histories of immigration can teach us today.
KQED Youth Takeover: Oakland Ballet Explores Immigrant Stories From Angel Island
From left to right: AL Abraham, Jazmine Quezada, Lawrence Chen, Florrie Sese Geller, Ashley Thopiah (John Hefti via Oakland Ballet Company)
Guests:
Graham Lustig, artistic director, Angel Island Project and Oakland Ballet Company
Phil Chan, choreographer, Angel Island Project - co-founder, Final Bow for Yellowface
Ye Feng, choreographer, Angel Island Project
Ed Tepporn, executive director, Angel Island Immigration Station Foundation
Nico Fischer, Youth Advisory Board member; junior, Santa Clara High School
Maite del Real, Youth Advisory Board member; junior, Ruth Asawa SF School of the Arts
Sponsored