It's a challenge to bring the stories of refugees to a Billings audience that is somewhat ethnically challenged. Yet, a dozen mostly high school students from Billings and Laurel are using their voices to speak for those who can't.

"Anon(ymous)" is the journey of a refugee so divorced from his past that he can't even remember his own name. Written by Naomi Iizuka, the play is loosely based on "The Odyssey" and follows the story of Anon, a refugee of war. Shipwrecked while escaping from his war-torn country, Anon is washed up on a shore where he is tempted to stay surrounded by luxury, but instead begins a long journey through the underbelly of America in search of a home.

"Anon(ymous)" opens tonight in the Black Box and runs weekends through Oct. 24.

The title of the play takes on a deeper meaning because the refugees are losing everything, even their identities. In one touching scene, a bus crashes and all those aboard are killed. Their spirits speak to Anon to remind him to keep their memories alive.

"I had so many hopes, now I have taken them to my grave," one actor sighs in the song "Remember Me."

Another begs of Anon, "Don't forget who I am and how far I have gone."

There is an intensity to the scenes because director Sarah Butts places the action up close to the audience. Using small sets connected by a walkway that runs through the center of the audience, the refugees' desperate journey invades our safe world.

"It's important to create some awareness about what's happening outside our country," Butts said. "It's good to be reminded that not everybody is as privileged and taken care of as we are."

During rehearsal, Butts encouraged the actors to speak their refugee names clearly and proudly "because that's all you have left is your name." And they are on the verge of even losing that.

"In 2007, there were 114 million recorded refugees," Butts told her cast. "We're giving voice to millions of people who don't have one."

Many of the actors in "Anon(ymous)" performed in the summer production of "Rent," so they learned what it felt like to lose themselves in a character. Laurel High junior Chris Decker, who plays Anon, said the same thing is happening this time around.

"There is so much emotion in this show. You forget who you are," Decker said. "It's really challenging to feel the experiences of someone who has gone through something so traumatic."

Butts said the script is purposefully vague about where it is set to make it a more universal story of refugees. The play is abstract and not all the answers are provided for the audience. That gives them room to think.

"What is the most challenging to show is that passion, that heart," Butts said. "These actors are young, but they are working so hard to portray that."

In the land of Anon

The musical drama, "Anon(ymous)," opens tonight at Venture Theatre and runs weekends through Oct. 24. It is recommended for audiences 14 and older due to mature themes. The cast includes Chris Decker as Anon; Jen Olsen as Nemasani; Kelsey Steffan as Naja; Stephen Seder as Ali and Mr. Mackus; Dawn Carter as Ritu; Rebecca Kellison as Nasreen; Katy Kemmick as Calista; Derrian Green as Vanna/Sewing Lady No. 1; Blaine Jensen as Mr. Zyclo and Senator Laius; Chaslee Zent as Mrs. Laius; Chase Anderson as Pascal; Liz Allen as Zyclo's Bird and Serza; Sarah Beth Gumm as Belen; Garrick Sather as Strygal; and Patrick Wilson as Ignacio. Original music was created by Christy Altormare and by director Sarah Butts.

General admission is $16, $13 for students and seniors. For tickets or information, call 591-9535, or visit the Web site www.venturetheatre.org.