Z Space

Dramaturgy

A Deep Dive into the themes and content of Citizen

Citizen presents many themes due to the grappling environments and circumstances the author, Greg Sarris, has crafted for his characters. There’s a consistent balancing act between obligation and safety as the characters delve into satiating their personal needs.  

In Citizen, we meet the protagonist, Salvador,  who embodies the delicate relationships between cultural identity, nationality, and migration. Throughout Salvador’s journey, we learn through his perspective as a natural born U.S. citizen who is returning to the United states as a young adult after being raised in Suchitlán Colima, Mexico. He consistently finds himself at a crossroads as he discovers how his life in Santa Rosa, California is new, exciting, and dangerous. He learns that in the absence of nurture, a feeding hand can easily become an exploiting one – especially when familial obligations are overcome by the pursuit of freedom, lust, and the next high.

Suchitlán, Colima, Mexico 

Suchitlán, a small town in Colima, Mexico, boasts a culture centered around agriculture, with a focus on farming and the cultivation of various crops. The town celebrates traditional festivals with colorful parades, music, and food, including the patron saint's festivities. Nestled in a picturesque natural setting, Suchitlán offers outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. Its local cuisine features authentic Mexican dishes, while artisans craft pottery and textiles reflective of the region's culture.

Nahuatl Culture (naa·waa·tl): 

An Indigenous Perspective on Balance, Language, and Heritage.

The Nahuatl culture, like other indigenous cultures, emphasizes a worldview where humans are seen as integral parts of nature rather than its center. In this perspective, every element within the Nahuatl culture, just like human beings, is considered to possess its own life, contributing to a sense of balance and interconnectedness in their world.

This culture has a profound emphasis on language as a means of preserving and transmitting unique knowledge. Through the Nahuatl language, the Nahua people have maintained traditions, ways of relating to each other and the environment, methods of organizing their lives, sustenance practices, healing techniques, and a means of naming everything in their universe. Nahuatl is more than just a means of communication; it serves as a vessel for cultural preservation and identity.

The Nahua people have a rich history, dating back over 5,000 years, during which they initially led a nomadic lifestyle in Northern America before migrating to Mesoamerica around 500 CE. Their cultural roots run deep, and there is immense pride in their heritage, particularly in their continued use of the Nahuatl language. Nahuatl is spoken widely in the central regions of Mexico, such as Michoacan and Veracruz, with a majority of the population being fluent in it, akin to the prevalence of Spanish in Spanish-speaking regions.

Linguistically, the Nahua people are divided along an East-West boundary, resulting in Eastern Aztec dialects referred to as Nahuat and Western dialects known as Nahaul. These linguistic distinctions reflect the diversity and depth of the Nahuatl culture, highlighting the enduring legacy of a people who have maintained their traditions and connection to nature through their language and way of life.

Santa Rosa, California, United States of America 

Santa Rosa is a city located in Sonoma County, California, known for its beautiful landscapes, wine country, and vibrant community.

Resilience and Restoration: 

The Story of the Southern Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Graton Rancheria

The history of the Southern Pomo, Coast Miwok, and Graton Rancheria is a story of resilience and adaptation in the face of significant challenges brought about by European colonization and subsequent events. Today, these communities continue to work towards preserving their cultures, languages, and identities while also pursuing economic opportunities to improve their well-being.

1. Southern Pomo:
The Southern Pomo are Native American people who traditionally inhabited the region around the Clear Lake area in Northern California. They were part of the larger Pomo group, known for their distinctive basketry and traditional cultural practices. The Southern Pomo, like many indigenous groups, faced significant challenges with the arrival of European settlers in the 19th century. Forced relocation, loss of traditional lands, and the suppression of their cultural practices were common experiences. Today, efforts are being made to revitalize their culture and preserve their heritage.

2. Coast Miwok:
The Coast Miwok are another indigenous group from California, specifically from the coastal and inland areas of what is now Marin and southern Sonoma Counties. They were known for their complex societies and extensive trade networks. Like the Southern Pomo, the Coast Miwok faced hardships as Spanish, Mexican, and later American settlers arrived in California. Many Coast Miwok were forcibly displaced, and their traditional way of life was disrupted. Efforts to preserve their culture and language continue today, with recognition of their historical significance in the region.

3. Graton Rancheria:
The Graton Rancheria is a federally recognized tribe of Coast Miwok and Southern Pomo people located in Sonoma County, California. The tribe's history is marked by a long struggle for federal recognition, which it finally achieved in December 2000. This recognition allowed the Graton Rancheria to regain some control over its tribal lands and resources. In 2013, the tribe opened the Graton Resort & Casino, a significant economic development that has provided jobs and revenue for the tribe and the local community.

To Learn More: https://gratonrancheria.com/culture/history/ 

The Influence of Drugs on Native Communities

The Native community of Santa Rosa, California, like many indigenous communities across the United States, has been disproportionately affected by the devastating impact of drugs, particularly heroin and methamphetamine. This ongoing crisis has inflicted profound social, economic, and health consequences on this vulnerable population.

Heroin, a highly addictive opioid, has surged in popularity in recent years, wreaking havoc on the Native community of Santa Rosa. The drug's seductive grip has ensnared individuals of all ages, tearing apart families and communities. Heroin addiction not only leads to health complications such as overdose and the spread of infectious diseases but also fuels criminal activities as users resort to theft and other illegal means to sustain their addiction.

Methamphetamine, commonly known as meth, has added another layer to the crisis. Its widespread availability and affordability have made it a drug of choice for many, including Native individuals struggling with despair and hopelessness. Meth abuse has led to a spike in crime rates and strained local resources as law enforcement and healthcare services grapple with the consequences of addiction.

The impact of these drugs on the Native community goes beyond individual struggles. It erodes the fabric of cultural identity, as addiction tears families apart and disrupts traditional values and practices. The sense of community, once a source of strength and support, has been eroded by the isolation that often accompanies drug addiction.

Path to Citizenship

The path to citizenship in the United States typically involves a multi-step process that can vary depending on your individual circumstances. The most common way to become a U.S. citizen is through the process of naturalization. Here is an overview of the general steps involved:

1. Eligibility: To be eligible for U.S. naturalization, you must meet certain requirements, including but not limited to:

   - Being a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).

   - Being at least 18 years old at the time of application.

   - Having resided continuously in the U.S. as a green card holder for a specific period of time (usually 5 years, but it can be shorter if married to a U.S. citizen or serving in the military).

   - Demonstrating good moral character.

   - Passing a U.S. history and government (civics) test.

   - Demonstrating an ability to read, write, and speak English (with some exceptions).

2. Application: You need to file Form N-400, Application for Naturalization, with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Along with the form, you will need to submit the required documents and fees.

3. Biometrics Appointment: After filing your application, you will be scheduled for a biometrics appointment where your fingerprints, photograph, and signature will be taken.

4. Interview and Exam: You will be interviewed by a USCIS officer, who will review your application, test your knowledge of U.S. government and history, and assess your English language skills. If you pass the interview and exam, you will receive a notice of decision.

5. Background Check: USCIS conducts a background check, including a review of your criminal history, to determine your eligibility.

6. Oath of Allegiance: If your application is approved, you will be scheduled to attend a naturalization ceremony where you will take the Oath of Allegiance to the United States. After taking the oath, you will officially become a U.S. citizen.

Eligibility for a Green Card in the United States

Eligibility for a green card (lawful permanent residency) in the United States can vary depending on your specific circumstances and the category under which you are applying. Here are some common ways individuals can be eligible for a green card:

1. Family-Sponsored Green Cards:

   - Immediate Relatives of U.S. Citizens: This category includes spouses, unmarried children under 21, and parents of U.S. citizens. There is no annual limit on the number of visas issued in this category.

   - Family Preference Categories: This includes unmarried adult children of U.S. citizens, spouses and unmarried children of green card holders, and siblings of U.S. citizens. There are numerical limits on the visas available in these categories, and waiting times can be lengthy.

2. Employment-Based Green Cards:

   - Employment-Based Preference Categories: These are divided into several preference categories based on the type of employment and qualifications of the individual. This includes categories for individuals with extraordinary ability, multinational executives and managers, skilled workers, professionals with advanced degrees, and others. Employers typically sponsor individuals for these green cards.

3. Diversity Visa (DV) Lottery: Each year, the U.S. government conducts a Diversity Visa Lottery program that allows individuals from countries with low rates of immigration to the U.S. to apply for green cards. Winners are selected through a random lottery.

4. Refugee or Asylee Status: Refugees and asylees who have been granted protection in the United States can apply for a green card after one year of residence.

5. Special Programs: There are various special immigrant categories for individuals who meet specific criteria, such as religious workers, Afghan and Iraqi nationals who worked for the U.S. government, and others.

6. Investment: The EB-5 Immigrant Investor Program allows foreign nationals to obtain a green card by investing a certain amount of capital in a new commercial enterprise that creates jobs for U.S. workers.

7. Other Categories: There are additional categories for certain individuals, such as victims of abuse (VAWA), human trafficking victims, and certain international broadcasters.