Aspirations and struggles sprinkled with comedy makes for a memorable production when “Real Women Have Curves” makes its debut in Athens this weekend.

The production documents the journey of Ana, a young Latino woman balancing her aspirations with the commitment of her heritage.

“This is an enjoyable play, especially since the main character is 19 and going through a lot,” said Freda Giles, director of the play and associate professor in the drama department. “Students will find it very true to life.”

Josefina Lopez, the playwright, wrote “Real Women Have Curves” at 19 years old and although humorous, the production also explores serious issues such as immigration.

Learning the difficulties immigrants face firsthand, Lopez lived for 13 years in Los Angeles without documentation after her family moved from Mexico.

The play, also set in Los Angeles, documents the lives of five women in the Chicano community.

“They’re trying to find their piece of the American dream and we learn all their hopes, struggles and in the end how they realize their dreams,” Giles said.

In 2002, the play was made into film through HBO Independent Productions. In addition to other recognitions, the film also garnered the Audience Award at the 2002 Sundance Film Festival.

Following the performance on Friday, audiences are invited to stay for a panel discussion discussing issues with immigration and images of the female body.

Featured panelists are Lesley Feracho from the romance languages department, Marisela Martinez (intercultural affairs) and Peach Pittenger (theatre and film studies, women’s studies).