Alma

Concept

In this production of Alma at Chance Theater, the design team focused on creating an intimate, emotionally charged concept that honored the play’s themes of motherhood, identity, politics, and the pursuit of the American Dream. Set on the day after the 2016 U.S. presidential election, the script is steeped in political tension—reflecting the uncertainty and fear surrounding immigration policy and the future of undocumented families. The looming election heightened the urgency of Alma’s dreams for her daughter and underscored the generational divide between mother and child.

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Staged in a small black box space, the production embraced the room’s natural intimacy, allowing the performances and text to carry emotional weight within a simple, lived-in apartment. This single setting served as both a physical and symbolic container for Alma and Angel’s relationship, housing their hopes and fears of the world outside. The minimalistic approach allowed the audience to focus on the emotional depth and political stakes woven into every moment of the story.

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The sound design underscored the emotional arc of the play, shifting subtly between diegetic and non-diegetic elements. Ambient neighborhood sounds grounded the space in realism, while abstract textures, such as distorted audio clips of Trump coming from the Television emerged in moments of heightened emotion, offering insight into the inner worlds of both mother and daughter. These sonic contrasts helped illuminate the stakes—both personal and political, as Alma and Angel navigated love, sacrifice, and self-determination within a shifting American landscape.