About the Play

With humor, history and humbling questions, Living in America asks “What is public housing? Why is public housing? And why is the waitlist full?”

The performance was developed from personal stories of participants with the lived experience of housing insecurity, and explores experiences with, and aspirations for, public housing. Living in America: The Waiting List is Full includes creative contributions from zAmya Troupe Members and participants in Creative Expression Sessions at the downtown Minneapolis Central Library, zAmya's longstanding residency with Hennepin County.

Creating the Play

zAmya Theater Project uses the powerful combination of lived experience and artistic expression to inspire our communities to work for housing justice for all. We bring people together across the housing and socio-economic spectrum to build community through creating, performing and enjoying theater. Our performances grow from stories lived by participants and crafted by our core artistic members. We share them to foster understanding and connection in order to motivate social change and restore dignity.

Living in America: The Waiting List is Full was initially performed as a zAmya Theater Shareformance in the spring of 2024, developed over 8 weeks as part of zAmya’s Creative Expressions Sessions — workshops at the Minneapolis Central Library that bring together housed and unhoused neighbors for creative play and artistic expression. View the 2024 program.

Why this Play Matters

Public housing in Minnesota—and across the U.S.—faces a deep crisis. Many homes are unsafe, underfunded, and restrictive, with policies rooted in segregation and racism shaping who has access. Red tape and systemic barriers leave too many without a stable place to live. Yet history shows that when public housing supports community and connection, people thrive. Living in America: The Waiting List is Full explores these challenges while showing that a more humane, equitable housing system is possible.

Public Housing Companion Workshop

In this 90 minute interactive workshop, participants will use creative prompts to reflect on and reimagine the concept of public housing, the topic explored in zAmya’s production of Living in America: The Waiting List is Full. Through guided exercises and discussion, we'll explore personal, historical, and societal perspectives on public housing and its challenges and potential. This session invites participants of all backgrounds to engage creatively and critically with the spaces we live in, and the policies that shape them. Interested in booking a workshop with your organization or group? Complete our Booking Request Form.

Attitude of Gratitude

This activity is made possible by the voters of Minnesota through grants from the Minnesota State Arts Board, including an Operating Support grant, thanks to a legislative appropriation from the arts and cultural heritage fund.

Rehearsal and performance photos of the 2024 Shareformance production of Living in America: The Waiting List is Full.