Dates & Times

Go Deeper:  Building the Wall

A curated collection of resources about immigration policy, immigrant rights, and issues related to the play.

Because current immigration events are in the media every day, we won’t attempt to capture all the news, but give you connections to local organizations working in the field and other important resources.

Click here to see a PDF of the Building the Wall Playbill.

This document is organized into the following sections

*Five Simple Action Steps to Make Change Now!
*Get Involved: Local Organizations, Allies and Activists
*Helpful Resources
*Background and Media

Five Simple Actions Steps to Make Change Now!

• • Make sure your legislators know where you stand on this issue, especially your Federal Represen

e for a PDF of the playbill for the show.tative and Senator. Whether you agree with their positions or not, they need to hear from you! Calls are preferred over emails, but all contacts help. You can look up your legislators here. Also, many of the organizations listed in the next section provide sample text and advise when contacts are most needed.

• • Align with a local organization. Read through the description in the next section and pick one (or more!) groups, click the link and join their mailing list. You’ll learn about actions, volunteer opportunities, and more right here locally.
  • Be Alert. Put the Colorado Rapid Response Network phone number [1-844-UNITE-41 (1-844-864-8341)] in your phone and use it if you see immigration enforcement actions in process or refer immigrants to this number for immediate help and resources. Also, download the ACLU Mobile Justice Colorado smartphone app that allows Coloradans to easily record police, ICE and other officials, and hold them accountable for their actions. Record, report, witness, and Know Your Rights – all on your phone!
  • Attend a Rally, Protest or other Action. Now is the time to take action. There are many actions happening every week. When you align with a local organization they will let you know what is happening. If you are on Facebook, like the AFSC & Coloradans for Immigrant Rights page to get updates on events.  We will also post major actions on the Curious Facebook page.
  • Volunteer! All of the organizations listed below need people power. There are so many ways you can help: collect donations to help local immigrants, visit those in detention without local family, accompany people to court dates, provide transportation, organize local actions, respond to calls of raids and arrests, and many others. There is a particular need for bilingual volunteers, but everyone can lend a hand.

Get Involved: Local Organizations, Allies, and Activists

American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) & Coloradans for Immigrant Rights (CFIR): This group is a leader in the field and works with many other organizations. They work on policy change and direct support of immigrants and run the Colorado Rapid Response Network, a Court Accompaniment program and many other programs, vigils, and protests.  Their facebook page is an excellent resource for upcoming events and breaking news.  They are always in need of volunteers to help in their efforts.

Casa de Paz is a hospitality home for families affected by immigr

•  ant detention. They provide free lodging, transportation, and food for guests. The house is located directly across the street from the immigrant detention center in Aurora, CO making it easily accessible to those who reside there. They opened the doors to this home because they believe in the dignity of all people and the reunification of families. This excellent organization is in need of volunteers to help with visits to those in the detention center and to assist in providing transportation and service to immigrants.

Colorado Immigrant Rights Coalition (CIRC) is a statewide, membership-based coalition of immigrant, faith, labor, youth, community, business and ally organizations founded in 2002 to improve the lives of immigrants and refugees by making Colorado a more welcoming, immigrant-friendly state.

Rocky Mountain Welcome Center (RMWC):  is an immigrant-led multi-tenant, shared space not-for-profit organization with the mission of fostering intercultural learning, understanding, and integration among immigrants, refugees, and Colorado residents through programs and activities that develop supportive multicultural communities.

Denver Immigrant Legal Services Fund

The city of Denver is enriched by the talents, work, and culture of all of its residents. Immigrants, their families, and families of mixed immigration statuses are under increasing threat of potential removal from this country and from our community.

In response to federal executive orders and immigration enforcement, Denver City Council passed the Public Safety Enforcement Priorities act and Mayor Michael B. Hancock signed Executive Order 142 establishing the Denver Immigrant Legal Defense Fund. Committees developed the necessary framework over four months and submitted recommendations to the Mayor and the Executive Committee in December 2017.

Metro Denver Sanctuary Coalition (MDSC): Nine Colorado faith communities have joined together with the American Friends Service Committee to provide sanctuary in local churches for immigrants in danger of deportation. “In responding to the invitation to provide sanctuary, we embody the integrity of our faith traditions, in which sanctuary is deeply rooted across centuries: to proclaim and protect the dignity and worth of every human being. Providing sanctuary affirms our solidarity with our immigrant sisters and brothers and our conviction that families should not be torn apart by unjust policies.” They are also active in housing and supporting groups of immigrants who are bused to Denver from overcrowded border facilities.

Padres & Jóvenes Unidos is a multi-issue organization led by people of color who work for educational equity, racial justice, immigrant rights and quality healthcare for all. They work with LatinX, and largely immigrant students and parents on school reform and accountability.

Centro Humanitario Para Los Trabajadores (El Centro): A Denver day laborer center promoting work, dignity, and community.  The mission is to promote the rights and well-being of day laborers in Colorado through education, job skills, leadership development, united action, and advocacy.  They host a women’s co-op program and the Wage Theft Recovery Team.

Colorado People’s Alliance (COPA, formerly RAP/DPT: Rights for All People, or Derechos Para Todos) is a multi-racial, member-driven organization dedicated to advancing and winning progressive social change locally, statewide and nationally. COPA builds power to improve the lives of all Coloradans through leadership development, organizing and alliance building. RAP/DPT was an immigrant rights group that was founded by AFSC in 1999 and formed as an independent organization in 2000. After merging with the Colorado Progressive Coalition, they formed the Colorado People’s Alliance and the Colorado People’s Action, their C4, and intend to engage in statewide work. Their headquarters are in Denver, but they will maintain an office in Aurora.

Together Colorado is a non-partisan, multi-racial, multi-faith community organization that unlocks the power of people to transform their communities through community organizing.  Comprised of 60+ congregations, schools and youth committees from Pueblo to Fort Collins and a growing statewide clergy network, they are building a moral and democratic voice in Colorado through a racial and economic lens. Formerly called MOP, Metro Organizations for People, Together Colorado is a Denver & Aurora focused statewide organization working in schools and churches. They have immigrant members and immigration committees.

ACLU of Colorado: The state’s oldest and largest civil rights organization whose mission is to protect, defend and extend the civil rights and civil liberties of all people in Colorado through litigation, education, and advocacy. They are very active in legal issues concerning immigration and the detention centers.

International Rescue Committee: The mission of the IRC is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster to survive, recover and gain control of their future. This national organization has an active office in Denver.

Helpful Resources

Call the Colorado Rapid Response Network at 1-844-UNITE-41 to report any immigration enforcement activity or someone who has been detained.

Know Your Rights for Immigrants: A one page summary from the ACLU

Background Articles and Media

A Timeline comparing Building the Wall and Actual Events by Curious Theatre Company

How to Build an Autocracy  by David Frum, The Atlantic

The Government is Moving Migrant Children to a Texas Tent City. Here’s What’s Behind It 
by Caitlin Dickerson, The New York Times

‘A Breaking Point’: Second Child’s Death Prompts New Procedures for Border Agency   by Miriam Jordan, The New York Times

Trump adds a deadline on his threat to close the border by Maegan Vazquez, CNN

Ordinary Americans Carried Out Inhumane Acts for Trump by Chris Edelson, The Baltimore Sun

Before Trump’s Purge at DHS, top officials challenged plan for mass family arrests  by Nick Miroff and Josh Dawsey, The Washington Post

Is Trump About to get Even More Conservative on Immigration? by Perry Bacon Jr., FiveThirtyEight

What is the runtime of this show?

Building the Wall runs approximately 85 minutes with NO intermission.

Is there an intermission?
There is no intermission.

Are there any advisories I should know about?

Building the Wall includes descriptions of violence.

Curious offers an advisory about any stage effect of potential concern to patrons’ health. We typically don’t offer advisories about subject matter, as sensitivities vary from person to person. If you have any concerns about content or language, please contact the box office.

Can I bring my kids?
We require that audience members find alternative activities for children under 6 years of age. In addition, our material may not be appropriate for young people under 14 years of age. We will gladly discuss subject matter with parents or guardians before the performance in order to make an informed decision for you and your child. Before purchasing tickets, please email or call our Box Office at 303.623.0524.

Where can I park?
Curious is pleased to offer various options for complimentary parking on performance days: the Denver Community Credit Union parking lot directly across the street; the lot directly adjacent to our theatre; on-street parking along Acoma. Please make sure to pick up a parking permit from our Box Office if you wish to park in either lot. Note that these lots are only available for the two hours before a performance and one-hour following; Curious does not own either lot and the owners will tow vehicles left past midnight or without a pass.

Is Curious wheelchair accessible?
Yes. However, due to the age of our building (1890s!), there are a few quirks to our accessibility. When buying tickets, know that Rows F & G are fully wheelchair accessible and all seats are removable. All seats on the orchestra level of the theatre are accessible to those with mobility concerns, however, the other rows of the orchestra do involve a small step up and the seats are fixed. The balcony of Curious is only accessible by stairs. Know that the bar for Curious is located in the balcony; however, Curious staff are eager to assist you by serving you from your seat should you have mobility concerns that prevent you from stairs.

The front entry of Curious is stairs-only, so those with mobility concerns or in a wheelchair may enter the building through the double red doors on the south side of the building (where you will also find accessible parking spaces) beginning 30 minutes before the show. Please let the ushers or staff know that you have arrived so we may greet you if we miss you slipping in.

May I eat/drink in the theatre?
You bet! Our bar is on the balcony level and carries wine, beer, and bourbon in addition to treats, chips, coffee, water, and soft drinks. All are permitted in your seats, although we ask that you unwrap any candy before the show begins.

Where do I pick up my tickets?
If you have selected Will Call for your tickets, they will be available at the Box Office one hour prior to the show. If you selected Print-at-Home, simply print out the PDF that was emailed to you or show that attachment on your phone to the ushers when you arrive, no need to see the box office.

Can I change my tickets to another performance?
Usually, yes. If you know your dates have changed, do contact us as soon as possible to ensure comparable seats are available for your new date. Sometimes our shows do sell out and occasionally an entire run will sell out. So it is always best to call early with a change.

What if I arrive late?
Patrons who arrive late will be seated at the discretion of the House Manager, and may not be seated in their assigned seats until intermission. In the event that a performance runs without an intermission, latecomers will be seated in a location that will not disrupt the performers or other audience members. We reserve the right to deny admission to latecomers when a performance has been running for 15 minutes or more.

Will the show go on in a snowstorm?
Curious will make every possible attempt to continue with a scheduled performance in inclement weather. However, in the VERY RARE case that local authorities deem it unsafe, we will alert all patrons of the canceled performance and reschedule you following our return to normal operations. Should you feel personally unsafe driving in weather, you are encouraged to call the box office to move to a later performance if one is available.

Is it cold/hot in the theatre?
While we make every attempt to ensure our patrons and performers are comfortable in our space, Curious is in a church built in the 1890s; we have no A/C or central air (although we do have two swamp coolers and radiant heat). Temperature control can be a challenge in the extreme cold or extreme heat of Colorado. We encourage you to wear light layers to ensure your comfort.

Do you offer group discounts?
Yes! Call the box office to get a quote for the performance you would like to attend. Discounts vary by performance. As a general rule, bigger discounts are given for Thursday evening performances early in the run of a show.

How can I become a volunteer?
Call or email the box office for information on joining our volunteer corps.

Can I get the program ahead of time?
Yes. About one week before the show opens, we will post our playbill here.

In Media

• 5280 Review: Curious Theatre Company Takes on Trump In Latest Production

  by Daliah Singer, 5280 Magazine

  While it’s nothing new for the arts world to respond to the politics and issues of the day, the velocity of this play—it was written just before the election, and Curious decided to produce it just 10 weeks ago—is unique, as is the clear political statement a theater like Curious is making in bringing it to life.

• Westword Review: Robert Schenkkan’s Building the Wall Is a Wake-Up Call at Curious

  by Juliet Wittman, Westword Magazine

  The cumulative narrative is mesmerizing, powerful, horrifying — particularly horrifying because what Rick describes is only an intensification of currents that have been running through our body politic for decades, and not just since the presidency of Donald J. Trump. Racism has long been a virus in the country’s blood, along with anti-immigrant fervor.

• 303 Magazine: Curious Theatre’s play on Trump is Not What You’d Expect

  by Cori Anderson, 303 Magazine

  …it’s not a play all about bashing Trump—instead, the message focuses on individual action in moments of collective inaction.

• Denver Post: Politics inspires art in “Building the Wall” at Curious Theatre

  by Joanne Ostrow, The Denver Post

  The current administration may end up being good for the arts, even though its stated intention is to cut funding. Oppression and regression are often great inspirations: Just look at all the artists responding with politically charged pieces…

• New York Times: Pulitzer Winner’s Trump Play Is to Come to New York

  by Michael Paulson, The New York Times

  One of the first new plays written in direct response to the Trump era will be staged in New York this spring, following a handful of productions around the country.

• Westword: Robert Schenkkan’s Building the Wall Blasts Trump, but Can It Create Change?

  by Juliet Wittman, Westword Magazine

  Playwright Robert Schenkkan’s response to the election was swift and fierce. During the run-up to the vote, “I was incredibly upset and anxious about how the campaign was unfolding,” he told Westword, “and extremely concerned by the increasingly harsh and divisive race-baiting rhetoric.”

• New York Times: Onstage, Rapidly Reacting to the Dawn of the Trump Era

  by Michael Paulson, The New York Times

  “We no longer live in a world that is business as usual — Trump has made that very clear — and if theater is going to remain relevant, we must become faster to respond,” Mr. Schenkkan said. “We cannot hope to be useful if we can’t respond until 18 months after the fact.”

• Westword: Curious to Produce Play about Donald Trump and our Orwellian Future

  by Kyle Harris, Westword Magazine

  “Curious is no stranger to doing work that is political, that leans into social-justice issues,” Maltais says. “It’s certainly not new to the artistic community. Art has been a form of protest and advocacy for thousands of years.”

• Denver Post: Denver Curious Theatre to produce playwright’s rapid response to the Trump era.

  by Joanne Ostrow, The Denver Post

  “Trump has thrown the rule book out the window,” the playwright said. “You have to decide whether you’re going to be of the moment or whether you’re just going to curate history.”

• Reviewed: Building the Wall, Four More Shows to See Now!

  by Juliet Wittman, Westword Magazine

  "Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Robert Schenkkan’s Building the Wall, written after Donald Trump's election, had its Denver premiere at Curious Theatre Company in the spring of 2017, and now it's returned. “Curious made an exception to our policy of not remounting work, of only doing new work, to bring this back because we find it vital,” explains Katie Maltais, managing director at Curious."