In the Shadows

A chilling and heart warming drama by Susan Lieberman.

Elena was born and raised in Chicago, but her Mexican parents are undocumented immigrants. As the family prepares for Elena's quinceanera - her 15th birthday celebration - immigration officers infiltrate their neighbourhood. Although the Mayor of Chicago has declared it a "sanctuary city", Elena and her family are increasingly terrified as Immigration and Customs Enforcement Officers impact their lives.

Will Elena's hardworking mother and father be deported under the US government's new policies? Should Elena, an American citizen, stay or go to foster care?

On the cusp of womanhood, she discovers what it means to be a citizen in a country that no longer welcomes her own parents. To stay together, the family must hide in the shadows of American society.

Elena has to mature fast to take care of her family and community. She will use her Quince celebration as a launch pad for adult action.

Author Susan Lieberman says, "I grew up in Chicago surrounded by immigrants. A few years ago, I created a script based on US-born Hispanic teenagers' personal stories. The violence and poverty that drove their parents from Central America reminded me of my own family's reasons for leaving their homeland. But now, instead of finding freedom, these kids' parents lived in fear of "la migra" - immigration officers who could crush their dreams by simply asking their names."

Recorded by Louis Mitchell in Manhattan NYC
Mixed by Jon Calver in London
Produced and Directed by Judith Kampfner

A Corporation For Independent Media production for BBC Radio 4.