“Sonia” flies into FIU


FIU Theatre launches its 2009-’10 season with its most controversial production yet – “Sonia Flew” by Melinda López – opening Thursday, Sept. 24 and running through Oct. 4.

Golden Panther Kat Mareno plays young Sonia in the play. Danny Knieves portrays her father, Orfeo.

Golden Panther Kat Mareno plays young Sonia in the play. Danny Nieves portrays her father, Orfeo.

The year is 2001 and the country is in shock as the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11 have set off feelings of fear. As many are moved to defend America, Sonia’s son announces that he will enlist in the Marines and fight in Afghanistan. Devastated by his decision, Sonia pleads with her son not to enlist. This moment re-opens memories of her troubled past.

Sonia has spent her life trying to forget what her parents did to her when she was just a young girl, holding on to an unforgiving resentment against them. Now, as a parent, she can begin to understand what they did and why. Sonia was one of thousands of Cuban children sent to the United States  by her parents who were trying to protect her from a possible threat of fighting in war. She became a part of Operation Pedro Pan, a program coordinated by the U.S. government, the Catholic Church in Miami and Cuban parents who opposed the communist dictatorship. More than 14,000 children were placed with friends, relatives and group homes in 35 states across the United States.

Described as an “extraordinary achievement by an emerging playwright” by “The Boston Globe,” “Sonia Flew” is an incredible story of one woman’s effort to face the tragedy of her past while carrying out her own responsibilities as a mother.

Performance dates and show times are Sept. 24-26 and Oct. 1-3 at 8 p.m. and Sept. 27 and Oct. 4 at 2 p.m. All performances take place in the Wertheim Performing Arts Center Main Stage at Modesto A. Maidique Campus.

Tickets are $12 for general admission and $10 for seniors and FIU faculty/staff, alumni and students. To purchase tickets, click here or call 305-348-0496.