Courageous immigrants to America from the early1900s came vibrantly to life recently in Walnut Creek. Okay, not the actual immigrants. But they were powerfully portrayed in the world premiere of an original musical poem-play on immigration titled The Great Wave. 
Walnut Creek writer Judith Nielsen authored the play. It was staged by the Francis in the Schools program for an audience of Contra Costa County educators and civic leaders to introduce them to the program’s free offerings. Francis in the Schools creates festive day-long enrichment outings for children from impoverished areas aimed at giving them “a day of joy” and building their self-esteem.
Educational benefit
Terry Hogan Johnson, Program Director, says, “We hope to present this play for schools where children can benefit from learning of the experiences of immigrants who entered America via Ellis Island, and who may be new immigrants themselves.”
An excellent cast of Bay Area actors volunteered to present The Great Wave because it dramatizes the dreams, sacrifices, and struggles of immigrants and honors their courage and determination in inspiring ways.
Johnson tells educators, “The message of inclusiveness in The Great Wave is a perfect teaching vehicle for children. It can help those challenged with similar issues of assimilation and integration. And it can inspire them by celebrating the enormous contributions these earlier immigrants then made to America.”
A professional production
The play’s author, Judith Nielsen, has written for the Discovery Channel, National Geographic Television, PBS, ABC, CBS, and Lucas Films. Janice Erlendson directed this performance. Erlendson is a former ACT (American Conservatory Theater) actress who has directed numerous Bay Area productions, and who has taught acting and directing at UC Berkeley.
The Great Wave was initially performed by students at the Meher Schools in Lafayette. This was its premiere performance with an adult cast.
The immigrants’ story
The play opens with the unveiling of the Statue of Liberty in New York harbor in 1886, exactly 131 years from the date of this performance. The audience then joins the immigrants on their long journey to freedom, including their departure from their homeland and their poignant farewell to loved ones they will never see again. We share the rigors of the ship voyage across the Atlantic in steerage class, the immigrants’ first sighting of the Statue of Liberty, and the physical, mental, and legal examinations they endure at Ellis Island.
Throughout, it is the “spirit” of Lady Liberty that beckons, guides, and encourages them. The play ends with a lively tribute to the ideas and inventions of immigrants who have completely transformed our country and the world.
The story behind the story
Neilsen reveals, “Behind the individual stories of the immigrants themselves is the larger story of The Great Wave – the rich and unique destiny of America to blend the world’s races and nationalities into one united humanity, possible only in the United States of America. It is a play designed to awaken us to the highest and truest meaning of the American motto: ‘E pluribus unum’ – out of many, one.”
Contact
Educators in Contra Costa County interested in their school taking part in a Francis in the Schools program are invited to email: terry@francisintheschools.org