Set against the backdrop of the often volatile immigration debate, a new play on stage in Berwyn focuses on women’s friendships and class differences far from home.

Chicago playwright Tanya Saracho wrote “Kita Y Fernanda,” playing now through Oct. 25 at the 16th Street Theater in the Berwyn Cultural Center.

“It’s a really moving story, very thought-provoking,” said Artistic Director Ann Filmer. “I have not seen this particular story played out (before).”

“Kita Y Fernanda” follows the lives of two girls who grew up in the same household, according to the 16th Street Theater. One is the daughter of a wealthy Mexican family living in Texas. The other is the daughter of their undocumented maid, also from Mexico, according to the theater.

Filmer said the play follows these girls and their mothers — one set immigrated legally and are members of the upper class, while the other two are undocumented workers.

“They came over to find a better life,” Filmer said.

The daughter of the maid wants to better herself, but with her undocumented status, she cannot attain the education and lifestyle for which she had hoped when she emigrated from Mexico.

“It’s about isolation and being an invisible person,” Filmer said. “She’s actually here and can’t become the person she wants to be: educated and involved. It shows all aspects of the (immigration) issue in a really interesting way.”

Filmer said her goal in working with the 16th Street Theater is to provide a wide variety of stories.

“Stories about our community, locally and in a larger sense, too,” Filmer said. “I wanted to bring ‘Kita Y Fernanda’ (to this theater) because of the large Mexican-American community we have in Berwyn. We’re really struggling over the same things, but are different people. How do we learn to do that together?”

The play runs through Oct. 25. Tickets are $16 per person, or $12 each for groups booking eight or more. Performances are at 5 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, and 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays. Two specially added shows are at 3 and 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.

Tickets may be purchased online at www.16thstreettheater.org, or in person at the North Berwyn Park District, 1619 Wesley Ave. For further information contact (708) 795-6704.

“People are incredibly moved by the story,” Filmer said. “We have audience members that walk out and say, ‘That’s my story.’ It’s been a really amazing experience putting it together.”