The controversy surrounding illegal immigration from Mexico into the United States has reached a fever pitch in the past two years, but few of the news articles have focused on the reasons why Mexicans feel compelled to make the difficult crossing into this country.

A new Spanish-language play by local college professor Carlos von Son attempts to dig a little deeper into that issue.

"Cruces," being performed Friday and Saturday at Vista's Avo Playhouse, is a drama about the tragedies that migrants have experienced while crossing the border between Baja California, Mexico, and the San Diego region. Von Son said the play was inspired by the stories told by migrant workers who have found the crossing into San Diego much more dangerous since the implementation of Operation Gatekeeper in 1994. And the play examines the economic problems in Mexico that drive workers north.

"Cruces" (Spanish for "crosses") was written by von Son, who teaches Spanish at both Palomar and MiraCosta colleges. A native of Mexico, von Son has written numerous plays and screenplays about cross-border relations.

"Cruces" is being performed by Dionisio Troupe, an independent theater group of students from Palomar and MiraCosta colleges as well as Cal State San Marcos, with the collaboration of Teatro Molcajete. Local stage director and actor Diana Cabuto is directing the production, which will be performed entirely in Spanish.

"Cruces"

When: 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday

Where: Avo Playhouse, 303 Main St., Vista

Tickets: $10

Info: (760) 724-2110

Web: www.vistixonline.com