Mariachi opera at CSUN imitates life on stage for audience of Dreamers

NORTHRIDGE, LOS ANGELES (KABC) -- A new mariachi opera that tells the story of the migration of a Mexican family and their journey to the U.S. premiered at California State University, Northridge, where more than 100 Dreamers and their families were guests.

"Cruzar la Cara de la Luna" tells the story of family and immigration. The struggles and desperation played on the stage are not a far cry from reality for many in attendance.

"Obviously, it's a very, very challenging time for them and a frightening time, really, and, as you know, there are I think 1,400 undocumented students here at CSUN," said director Dan Guerrero.

"It's amazing because we get represented and also I get to bring my family. Seeing just the campus and being involved -- it's everything, said CSUN student and Dreamer Carla Martinez.

But the reality of what could soon come never fades for Martinez. She's one of more than 700,000 young immigrants who could be deported if Congress doesn't act by March 5. That's the date President Donald Trump promised would be the end of the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program.

"You do hear a lot of stories, and it's pretty traumatizing for a lot of students and a lot of their families, even if they're not undocumented," Martinez said. "It really feels like we're just pawns in a game that they're playing."

The opening night performance was one of just three at CSUN during the weekend.