Trust

Gr 9 Up—Marlin, an 18-year-old Honduran, tells her story of rape, illegal immigration, incest, and substance abuse to a group of teen actors belonging to the Albany Park Theater Project, an arts education program in Chicago. They, in turn, develop an original play to tell her story and put on a stunning performance. Marlin gives the gift of trust to this troupe of performers—trust that they will accurately and sensitively portray her story. They in turn provide the support that she needs to continue to heal from the traumatic events of her life. The theater project is home to about 25 inner city children, many of whom are also immigrants, and provides a safe place for each to create meaning from their common stories. This film could be used in discussions of social issues and in arts education. Since it deals with sensitive issues, it may be most appropriate for mature high school viewers.—Ann Brownson, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston