Raphael Buenaventura

Polina Smith

Crescent Moon Theater Productions

San Francisco International Arts Festival

Many of us have seen the images of the Aghan people clinging to the airplanes as the Taliban took over Kabul, and we remember vividly the videos of kids put into detention centers, separated from their parents, after crossing knee-deep in the Rio Grande. Fewer of us have heard these stories firsthand from the people who lived them. We invite you to experience the humanity behind the headlines. In "Hold On, When Everything Changes in a Flash," four young adults share their courageous stories of fleeing their home countries of Guatemala, Afghanistan, Iraq and Venezuela. We hope guests will gain a deeper understanding of the refugee crisis, bear witness to the harrowing journeys and welcome those who now call the US home. Professional musicians and dancers help create an intimate evening of storytelling.

There will be an onstage conversation with the artists following the performance on Friday June 16.