Six Songs from Ellis

Millions of stories came through Ellis Island during the years of comparatively open immigration (1892-1922). Six Songs from Ellis is a multi-genre work based on these oral histories, demonstrating commonalities past and present encountered by those taking drastic steps to improve their lives. Making the immigrant experience human and individual is at the heart of this work. The script is based entirely on oral histories of immigrants who passed through Ellis Island—many excerpts thematically grouped having to do with reasons for leaving, forced removal from home, reflections on this and their journey, arrival in the NY Harbor, and statements on their lives as Americans; contributions made to our society. In short—why people make drastic moves to change their lives.