Human

by William L. Walker Montgomerie

SYNOPSIS
Human is a powerful, minimalist play composed of a series of monologues that give voice to the deeply personal and often painful stories surrounding immigration and belonging. Through the perspectives of a detained immigrant mother, a DREAMer navigating identity and hope, a conflicted border patrol agent, a sponsor who struggles with fear and compassion, and a brave ICE whistleblower risking everything...

SYNOPSIS
Human is a powerful, minimalist play composed of a series of monologues that give voice to the deeply personal and often painful stories surrounding immigration and belonging. Through the perspectives of a detained immigrant mother, a DREAMer navigating identity and hope, a conflicted border patrol agent, a sponsor who struggles with fear and compassion, and a brave ICE whistleblower risking everything to reveal injustice, the play explores the raw humanity behind political headlines and policy debates. Interwoven with a resonant chorus that connects the stories emotionally and philosophically, Human challenges audiences to see beyond borders and labels, inviting them to recognize the shared dignity that binds us all.

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Human

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  • David L. Williams: Human by William L. Walker Montgomerie
    “

    Poetic and empathetic work. Memorable characters throughout, and lines like, "I still have hope. I have to. It’s the only thing they haven’t taken from me" show the humanity in all of us.

    Poetic and empathetic work. Memorable characters throughout, and lines like, "I still have hope. I have to. It’s the only thing they haven’t taken from me" show the humanity in all of us.

    ”

Character Information

  • THE MOTHER
    A detained immigrant mother in her 30s or 40s, who carries the heavy pain of separation from her child. She speaks with quiet strength and resilience, embodying the fierce love and hope of a parent fighting to protect their family.
    30s-40s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • THE DREAMer
    A young adult, late teens to mid-20s, who was brought to the country as a child. Navigating the challenging space between two worlds, they express frustration, hope, and determination as they search for identity and belonging.
    teens-20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
  • THE BORDER PATROL AGENT
    A person in their late 20s to 40s, wrestling with the moral complexities of their job. Torn between duty and conscience, their story reveals the human cost of enforcement and the struggle to reconcile personal ethics with professional obligations.
    20s-40s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s
  • THE SPONSOR
    A community member in their 30s to 50s who has taken the risk to sponsor an immigrant. They face fear and uncertainty while also showing compassion and solidarity, highlighting the personal stakes involved in standing up for others.
    30s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
  • THE TRANSLATOR
    A vital link between immigrants and authorities, the Translator carries the weight of others’ words yet struggles with their own emotional turmoil. They serve as a bridge between worlds but often feel fractured inside, as their voice breaks before they can fully express the pain behind the words.
    20s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
  • THE DEPORTED FATHER (VIA RECORDING):
    A disembodied yet powerful presence heard through a recorded message, the Deported Father’s voice resonates with love and loss. His words reach his daughter across borders, reminding us that even in absence, he remains present and defies the notion that he no longer belongs.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • THE INDIGENOUS WOMAN:
    A timeless voice rooted in the land itself, the Indigenous Woman reminds us that the borders we argue over are a recent invention. She speaks with ancient wisdom and quiet authority, challenging the audience to see history beyond the lines on a map.
    40s-70s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • THE ACTIVIST TEEN
    An American-born young person, fiery and idealistic, who channels their passion into organizing both online and offline. Their voice carries urgency and hope, demanding change and imagining a world where kindness—not fear—is the guiding policy.
    Teens
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
  • THE ICE WHISTLEBLOWER
    A former employee in their 30s to 50s who witnessed systemic abuses and chose to expose the truth despite great personal risk. Their narrative is raw and courageous, emphasizing the heavy price of speaking out and the enduring hope for justice.
    30s-50s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • THE CHORUS
    A mixed ensemble of performers who appear between monologues to offer poetic reflections and transitions. They connect the individual stories emotionally and philosophically, helping the audience to see the shared humanity at the heart of the play.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • THE CHORUS
    A mixed ensemble of performers who appear between monologues to offer poetic reflections and transitions. They connect the individual stories emotionally and philosophically, helping the audience to see the shared humanity at the heart of the play.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+