azita: you know, we're war refugees.er with two suitcases and no money and no community and no support system. those people are really strong and they have been through a lot. they can handle hollywood. jane: for "the pbs newshour," i'm jane ferguson, in new york. ♪ judy: and we'll be back shortly to see how some young people in foster care are riding out of their comfort zones and into new experiences. but first, take a moment to hear from your local pbs station. it's a chance to offer your support, which helps keep programs like ours on the air. >> once you set it up, you never have to worry about pledging again because your support will continue automatically. you can sign up online or we can help you on the phone. give us a call at 800-568-9999 or text the word give to that number and we will send you a link . >>> hello. i am here at the pbs news hour and we understand that the information we provide helps keep you informed on both national and world issues that this is a great responsibility. that is why our commitm

jane: azita ghanizada is an la-based actor who has worked on various television series for years.n character in the play, she came to america as a child when the soviets took over kabul in 1979. >> she then made her way to hollywood 20 years later having never even owned a piece of luggage, and somehow made it onto television, post 9/11, and has never played a terrorist or a refugee. that person is me. jane: azita, who is also an activist campaigning for the rights of women and girls in afghanistan, spoke at the ted talk spin-off tedx in 2020 about life growing up here as an afghan immigrant. >> i worked so hard to prove my worth that i went on to win every single award at that school, from patrol of the year, to the daughters of the american revolution citizenship award. [laughter] that's right, this little afghan girl won an award dedicated to preserving american patriotism. jane: to her, the impact the play is having on others who may have felt like her growing up is the greatest reward for the hard work. >> i've spoken to young girls that speak, you know, farsi and dari and ar