The Portland Opera and The Immigrant Story blend live storytelling and music for ‘The American Story’

The Immigrant Story began in 2017 with a mission of highlighting the humanity of individual immigrants and refugees with photos and accompanying short descriptions of their experiences. Sankar Raman founded the nonprofit after immigrating to the U.S. from India. Since then, it has evolved into a multimedia organization that also features live storytelling. Now for the first time, on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S., Raman is turning his attention to citizens who have not enjoyed the full liberties and protections guaranteed by the Constitution. He partnered with the Portland Opera to create a unique celebration of the U.S. called “The American Story: 250 Years of Becoming.” It features live music and three storytellers who are Black, Mexican-American and Japanese-American citizens.

We talk with Raman, along with storyteller Chani Hawkins and Alfrelynn Roberts, the artistic director of the Portland Opera.

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