Hispanic cultural center offers community theatre and other arts

On the corner of SE Stark and Grand, there rests an L-shaped building the color of desert carrots. El Centro Milagro, the main space for the Miracle Theatre Group, is a Hispanic- based community space dedicated to the Latino expression of arts, theatre, music, and celebration. The center has been Miracle’s home since 1995, and includes a small café, rehearsal studios, workshops, exhibition space, offices, and a black-walled theatre of 125 seats.

José Eduardo González, Executive Director of the Miracle Theatre Group, founded the company in the 1980s as a response to the general aperture of Latino arts he witnessed in Portland. The center became a method and venue in which Hispanic theatrical arts could blossom and expand beyond standardized themes of social justice and identity. To develop talent within the community itself, Milagro initially launched several thespian workshops and classes, dealing with diverse themes such as familial connection, revolution, death and regeneration. El Centro Milagro has since “become a hub of Latino expression, branching out into a touring theatre group (Teatro Milagro), and a cultural and arts-education company (Bellas [Community] Artes).”

As a theatre of the community, Milagro collaborates with volunteers and specialists in the production of its multiple programs. One unique aspect of the company is the frequency of original works generated from a creative cast and crew. Many of the main stage productions are created from collaborative effort and improvisation, says González, “that maximize the strength of the ensemble.” Milagro also occasionally invites educators and Hispanic-themed organizations to watch a dress rehearsal, and encourages feedback and audience commentary before opening night. Tim Krause, Marketing Director at Milagro, stresses how this is an opportunity for mutual enjoyment: “...as a “test audience”, their reaction during the rehearsal and their feedback at the post-play discussions are invaluable in continuing to shape and hone the show before its official opening.”

Milagro’s main event is the annual festival of Día de los Muertos, commemorated by a three- or four-week-long theatrical production on themes of remembrance and celebration. Thisseason also marks the 100th anniversary of the Mexican Revolution, and as such has included the extraordinary performance of ¡Viva La Revolución!, directed by Mainstage Artistic Director Olga Sanchez. Featuring lively music and dance, the production honors those who fought in the revolution, and even ties in modern parallels with the Arab Spring and Occupy Portland.

In addition to numerous theatrical performances, Milagro hosts year-round exhibitions, celebrations, festivals, and educational programs that stress the “Latinoaesthetique.” According to González, these programs serve as an artistic gateway for a community that previously “didn’t have theatre as part of their cultural menu.” Some of these programs include: La Luna Nueva, a festival including talented poets, artists, musicians, dancers, and storytellers from all over the Hispanic world; a summer arts camp; Posada Milagro, a Latin American celebration; Mundo de la Mujeres, a project focusing on female minorities; and many more.

How can students enjoy Milagro? El Centro Milagro occasionally collaborates with PSU faculty to bring in students who are enrolled in a theatre appreciation or Spanish class, to engage in lectures, research, or panel discussions. As a nonprofit organization, Milagro thrives on volunteers, and interested persons should apply on their website for administrative, technical, intern or other supporting opportunities.

As a center that is continually expanding and diversifying, future plans for the space is under development. In the next few years, González hopes for better facilities for rehearsal and construction, and a congregational area for community events such as fundraisers, diners and dances. As the founder says, “We’re at the very beginning of exploring ideas.”

Look for Milagro’s upcoming mainstage performances in Spring 2012, with B’aktun 13 (January), Boleros for the Disenchanted (Feb-March), Jardín de Sueños (Mar-Apr), and Oedipus El Rey (May).