“Esperanza Rising” will be showcased at the Wise Family Theatre beginning on March. 20, through March  29.

The play is set in post-revolutionary Mexico during the time of the Great Depression, and later in California.

The story follows the life of Esperanza, a young girl who was once a member of a wealthy family who is forced to cross the U.S.-Mexico border to work at a farm in order to survive during the Great Depression.

Ileana Breceda, freshman psychology major, said she’s heard about this play before and she is planning to attend.

“Most people who hear about this play think ‘oh this is just another story of a poor Mexican crossing the border,’ but they are biased and casting prejudice upon a very insightful story,” Breceda said. “Instead, the protagonist of the play, accompanied only by her mother, flees her home country in order to protect herself from the madman who killed his father.”

The play has won many awards and has been the object of praise from many critics.

David Olivas, junior chemistry major, said the play was well chosen.

“It’s a very serious play that deals with a recognized subject, yet has an extra twist that lets the audience understand characters that in reality are rejected,” Olivas said.

Rebecca Rivas, assistant professor of theatre and dance and director of the play, said she has had an amazing time with the play due to the numerous cast members and their talents.

“In this play there is a total of 20 people participating,” Rivas said. “We are currently running through the play, and as I watch it take form I couldn’t be more grateful for having all these people working with me.”

Rivas said that her nephew introduced her to the book and she found the story compelling. She then researched to find out if any play of the book had been produced.

“Last year when our department was looking to add a show for young audiences into the season ‘Esperanza’ was an obvious choice,” Rivas said. “Not only because its subject matter is relevant to our area, our community and to the time we live in, but because it’s a lovely story about finding home.”

A variety of music will be included during the performances, but the play will not be a musical. The story will stay true to the original script, making few changes to accommodate the venue.

“It’s been an honor and a blast and I hope everyone comes out to see it,” Rivas said.

The performance is open to the general public. The Wise Family Theatre is located at the Fox Fine Arts Center on the second floor. Parking will be available at the Sun Bowl Parking Garage on Sun Bowl Drive.

For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or the UTEP Ticket Center.

Jesus Lopez may be reached at [email protected].