The following is from Migration Is Not a Metaphor, a series of works and excerpts by immigrant theatremakers that originally appeared in our Summer 2025 issue. To open the original print version in a new full-screen tab, click here. Deniz (the writer/director) is onstage and asks the actors to take turns playing her throughout the piece. She gives them notes in real time, creating a live commentary on identity stereotypes and how the cast perceives her. DENIZ (NARRATOR) Everybody is fleeing.