Karen Zacarías’s thought-provoking play Just Like Us is making waves across U.S. stages, inviting audiences to explore the emotional and complex journeys of young Latin-American women growing up in America. Based on the nonfiction book by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Helen Thorpe, the play sheds light on real stories of immigration, identity, and resilience.
At a time when cultural representation in media is being called into question, Zacarías’s work delivers a powerful and authentic voice to the Latin-American experience.
Learn more about Karen Zacarías’s other notable works
What Is “Just Like Us” About?
The play follows four Latina teenagers in Denver—two documented, two undocumented—as they navigate life after high school. What begins as a story of teenage friendship quickly becomes a complex look at how immigration status can drastically shape a young person’s future.
Set against the backdrop of changing immigration laws and public debates, the play balances humor and heartbreak while showing how these young women remain strong in the face of uncertainty. Their hopes, dreams, fears, and cultural struggles feel deeply personal—and incredibly relevant.
Here’s the original book that inspired the play
Why It Matters Today
Just Like Us resonates now more than ever. In an America grappling with immigration reform, questions about identity and belonging continue to dominate headlines. Zacarías, one of the most produced Latina playwrights in the U.S., uses this play to humanize those often reduced to statistics or political talking points.
Through her compelling storytelling, she gives a face to the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) generation and highlights the inequality that often goes unnoticed in daily life. Whether it’s applying for college, finding a job, or simply fitting in, these girls’ experiences are familiar to many yet rarely shown on stage with such honesty.
A Blend of Journalism and Drama
The source material by Helen Thorpe is known for its detailed, journalistic style. Zacarías took on the challenge of adapting this real-life reporting into a theatrical form, and the result is nothing short of remarkable.
Rather than rely on traditional dramatic tropes, the play uses documentary-style elements, allowing the audience to witness key moments from the girls’ lives—immigration raids, media attention, college rejections, and family conversations.
It bridges the gap between news and narrative, helping viewers understand not just what happens but how it feels to be a teenager living with fear and hope in equal measure.
Theater as a Platform for Social Change
One of the most powerful aspects of Just Like Us is its ability to foster dialogue. Post-show discussions are often held with audiences, many of whom express a new understanding of what it means to be “undocumented” in America.
Zacarías’s background in education and social justice shapes her work, and this play continues her mission of using art to spark change.
Find other Latinx-themed plays and theater projects here
The Girls Behind the Story
The real-life teenagers featured in the original book remain the beating heart of the play. They come from different backgrounds but are bound by shared heritage and similar challenges. Their journey is not just about surviving a broken immigration system; it’s about redefining what it means to be American.
Audiences witness moments of joy—like a quinceañera or college acceptance—and moments of hardship, like facing deportation threats or the loss of a parent’s job. The raw emotions make it clear: These stories could belong to any teenager, anywhere.
Audience Reactions and Reviews
Theatergoers have praised the play’s honesty and emotional depth. Critics highlight Zacarías’s masterful adaptation and the cast’s moving performances.
“This play should be required viewing for every American,” wrote one reviewer. “It’s eye-opening, heart-wrenching, and inspiring all at once.”
Read what other critics are saying about “Just Like Us”
A Must-Watch for Educators and Families
Educators have embraced Just Like Us as a tool for teaching empathy and civic engagement. Schools and universities often host performances and discussions to help students connect with immigration topics on a human level.
If you’re a parent, student, or teacher, this play can spark meaningful conversations in your classroom or at the dinner table.
Here’s a study guide for teaching the play in schools
Where to Watch “Just Like Us”
Many regional theaters and school productions have brought Just Like Us to the stage. The play’s flexible structure and powerful themes make it ideal for both large and intimate venues. Check your local listings or theater websites to find upcoming performances near you.
Search upcoming shows at regional theaters
Final Thoughts: A Play That Stays With You
Just Like Us isn’t just a story about Latin-American teenagers—it’s a story about the American experience. It challenges us to look beyond documents, borders, and headlines, and to see the humanity in each other.
Whether you’re an immigrant, an ally, or someone looking to understand more, this play will leave you thinking long after the curtain falls.
If you want to experience a story that’s both timely and timeless, Just Like Us is a must-watch.
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