Passage Theatre Executive Artistic Director Discusses “Alma” in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

Passage Theatre celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month with the release of Alma, a story about a working mom and undocumented immigrant from Mexico, single handedly raising her daughter, Angel. The stage is set in the uncertainty of Fall of 2016 in the stage play that embodies elements of heritage, healing, and hope.

“Alma was written by Benjamin Benne, a Guatemalan playwright, inspired by his own mother who was an immigrant,” explained Brishen Miller, executive artistic director of Passage Theatre. Alma will be playing there during Hispanic Heritage Month—from October 4 to October 20. Hispanic Heritage Month is a month-long celebration of Hispanic and Latino history and culture. It’s celebrated annually from September 15 to October 15.

Miller described Alma as “a story of heritage and hope and dealing with the challenges of moving to the country [United States] but not being included by this country.” He said, “The plot follows Angel, a 17-year-old who needs to a take test to go to college. Meanwhile, her mom Alma has to take tests to become legitimate. It’s a touching mother/daughter story.”

Alma was chosen specifically in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. “We wanted to focus on a show that celebrates that community,” said Miller. “This brings to light the struggles it takes to move to the States, then live in the state, facing the language barriers—and the attacks of criminalizing immigration. What should be a haven and sanctuary, [is] a barrier. This is a way to say, ‘We see your story and we welcome you.’ We want to start opening doors.”

What drew Miller to Alma was the magical realism of the play. “Is there really an American Dream?” he pondered. “It should be for everyone. It’s our diversity that makes that dream a reality.”

Miller joined Passage Theatre Company in the summer of 2019 as production director. In 2021 he became lead producer. In 2022 he was promoted to managing director. A year later, on September 15, which was his birthday, Miller went on to become executive artistic director. “I had three different promotions at Passage,” he said. “As artistic director, I can see the whole picture.”

In 2007 Miller received his bachelor’s in theater at Wayne State University in Detroit. In 2015 he received his master’s in education at Western Michigan University. And in 2018, he received a master’s at Villanova Theatre.

Starting out as an actor, Miller said he worked “every single job in theatre.” He feels that being “a jack of all trades” really helps in his role as artistic director.

Miller feels that Passage Theatre Company is able to offer the Trenton community something a lot of communities don’t have. He said, “You have a professional quality stage experience. It’s our mission to do socially relevant plays. We’re out here trying to do new works and works that matter to the community. We offer an anchor to the arts scene in Trenton. Events are going on monthly. We have a new art show in our gallery every month. We are featuring mother/daughter artworks to couple with Alma. We offer culture enrichment at a low cost. You have an artistic home that not every community has.”

Last year Passage Theatre Company went through a financial crisis, according to Miller. “We got 220 donors to raise the funds to keep Passage Theatre going. We’re still not completely back to where we were before the pandemic. But I can see the light at the end of the tunnel; where we would like to be.”

Passage Theatre Company is completely non-profit. Miller said, “The wide majority of our income comes from donations, gifts, grants, ticket sales… We rely on the generosity of Mercer County.”

Passage Theatre Company’s Mill Hill Playhouse is located at 205 East Front Street. To learn more about the theater and/or to purchase tickets for Alma, visit: www.passagetheatre.org. There is a 15 percent discount for Trenton Journal readers. Mention the code TJOURNAL15 at the box office.