Bringing 'Dichos en Nichos' to the Stage

We are a dedicated team bringing Dichos en Nichos, the New Mexican story collection by Sage Vogel, to life as a live stage production at Teatro Paraguas, premiering in fall 2026 to coincide with the Fiesta de Santa Fe. The project is a true family and community collaboration. Author Sage Vogel holds the production rights; his sister Makaela Vogel brings her creative and logistical experience as a playwright and director in Los Angeles; and their parents, Jim and Christen Vogel—renowned Southwest artists—will design and build the set. Teatro Paraguas’s executive director, Argos MacCallum, serves as production manager, guiding the process with care and professionalism. Accomplished educator, advocate, and career community strategist Camilla Bustamante is leading fundraising and community support efforts.

Dichos en Nichos is a collection of interconnected stories set in a proverbial Northern New Mexico village in the 1950s. The tales are built around “dichos,” Spanish proverbs passed down through generations that are perfectly suited for live reenactment. The language and characters are authentic, offering a rare glimpse into the traditions and wisdom of the region. Each story is paired with an oil painting in an antique nicho frame created by Jim and Christen Vogel. These artworks will inspire and inform the stage design, creating a rich, immersive experience that marries vivid imagery with live performance.

Funds raised will cover essential costs: set construction, costumes, theater rental, sound and lighting, and fair pay for our talented cast and crew. After the Santa Fe premiere, we will tour the production to Taos, Española, Las Vegas, and beyond to reach audiences who cherish our region’s heritage. Your support will help us preserve and celebrate the voices, wisdom, and culture of Northern New Mexico on stage and in the community for generations to come.