Life of a Guyana immigrant family told in solo show in Jersey City

A rare view into the struggles and conflicts of immigrant families can be seen through the perspective of a child when the Jersey City Theater Center presents "Demerara Gold," an award-winning show written by and featuring Ingrid Griffith.

"Demerara Gold," based on Griffith's life story as a Caribbean-American, tells the story of a seven year old girl who is left to live with her two grandmothers in Caribbean Guyana after her parents suddenly get visas to the U.S.A.

When she finally arrives to America to meet with her parents, their lives aren't at all what was promised in the land of opportunity.

Premiering in July 2014 at the Midtown International Theater Festival in New York City, "Demerara Gold" won a Best Solo-Show Performer nomination. In the same year, Griffith won an award for "Heritage Journalism" from the Guyana Cultural Association of NY.

"Ingrid's play is about someone who talks truthfully about her origins, specifically about how someone coming from the Caribbean feels adjusting to our society," said Olga Levina, artistic director of the JCTC. "Jersey City is one of the most diverse cities in the country, we're a city of immigrants. It's important we learn the stories of different immigrant groups and how it truly feels to be an outsider."

"Demerara Gold" can be seen at Merseles Studios at 339 Newark Ave., in Jersey City on Friday, Feb. 16 and Saturday, Feb. 17 at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 ($15 for students and senior citizens, photo ID required at the door). Tickets can be purchased JCTCenter.org.