As we gear up for a party three decades in the making, our own Vicente Guzman-Orozco gives us a glimpse (for some of us, a memory) of the lasting legacy and accomplishments of the unique institution that is Milagro.
Join us on June 24th for a sangría (or Deschutes beer) toast, delectable tapas from Mayahuel Catering, and the passionate flamenco of Mark Ferguson. Buy your ticket to Milagro’s 30th Cumpleaños today!
The company’s growth led to finding its own home away from the Northwest Service Center in what would become El Centro Milagro in 1995, and as its inaugural event it organized one of the most iconic Latino celebrations in the city: the annual festival around Day of the Dead, complete with ofrenda exhibits and an original production. The celebration continues to draw participants from near and far, with the most recent edition featuring a play written and directed by Lakin Valdez, who grew up as an integral part of El Teatro Campesino, the company founded by his father, Luis.
Audience members are not the only ones impressed by the results of Gonzalez and Malán’s hard work. In addition to attracting artists to participate and collaborate with the company, critics have also taken notice, and Milagro has won 27 Drammy acting and technical awards since 1999, and garnering the support of foundation and corporate supporters such as Nike, Inc. and the Northwest Area Foundation.
The connection to the local Hispanic community has also prompted collaborations with health, housing and education organizations to produce everything from summer camps to creating entire outreach campaigns preventing smoking, breast and cervical cancer and HIV/STIs. While the touring component continues to perform for young children to encourage interest in the arts and literacy, the reach of the educational efforts is grown, touring nationally and even participating in international events, such as Mexico’s Festival Cervantino in Guanajuato. This summer, Malán will be a presenter at the Oregon Association of Bilingual Education.
Milagro established itself as a reflection and representation of the professional artistry in the Hispanic community, and it continues to serve as a beacon for people seeking to present and experience the immense variety of Latino art and culture. At its 30th Anniversary mark, it is remarkable what it continues to contribute to Portland’s cultural landscape: commissioning and exhibiting visual artists; developing local performing talent; hosting international musicians in a rich panoply that encompasses Flamenco, classical, hip hop and folk musicians; presenting and promoting Latino playwrights whether emerging or established, the company stands strong . “Always irreverent, never irrelevant”, Milagro’s most recent production was the Northwest premiere of “Learn to be Latina”, a scathing comedy skewering preconceptions and the winner of the first “Great Gay Play” contest.
Milagro proudly continues its evolution into the future, utilizing social media, creating interactive projects such as Mujeres, and making green improvements to El Centro Milagro. From dream to reality, what Gonzalez and Malán created is as much a part of the history of Portland as its Hispanic population, and the Latin beat keeps pulsing in Central Eastside.
Walk down memory lane with us as we celebrate three decades of the best of Latino art and culture in the Northwest and help set the stage for many more! Get your ticket to Milagro’s 30th Cumpleaños today!
Help us to do what we do better! follow the link and fill out our anniversary season survey, you can win tickets to any of our 2014-2015 season productions!