We're raising funds to produce the U.S. premiere of Sam Yakura's play "The Perfect Immigrant" at Capital Fringe in Washington DC.
LEVI, a Nigerian engineering student living in Ireland, believes himself to be a perfect son; he loves his mother, ignores his creative interests, and follows his fathers wishes- but secretly, he's a poet. Interweaving evocative poetry and playful prose, Levi confides in the audience the delights and misadventures of his first year living in Dublin, Ireland in this vulnerable and humorous look at the migrant experience.
With this production at the Fringe, we aim to lift up and celebrate migrant stories. Using spoken word poetry and delightful prose, Yakura's central character navigates the frustrating challenges of adapting to a new and foreign city, finding familiar food/learning to cook it, and the surreal sensation of feeling othered for the first time. While telling his story to sympathetic listeners in the dark, Levi becomes closer to the most authentic version of himself. Through this journey, The Perfect Immigrant offers a nuanced look at the personal side of the migrant experience- a facet too often obscured by news media and political stunts that dehumanize, or even vilify, migrants and displaced individuals. With a hopeful and nuanced story of the human experience, we aim to combat these harmful narratives.
Yakura's play captures the joys and frustrations of family and young adulthood through the experiences of a young Nigerian transplant. Through this solo performance inspired by the playwright's life and experiences, we hope audiences will embrace the opportunity to listen and connect with the story of an individual and not only find shared values but also shared joy. We endeavor to accomplish these goals with artistic excellence, and hope you will join us by donating and attending a performance!