Who We Are: Stories from the Surge

Bruce Manning

Creator, producer, writer
This is the seventh show Bruce Manning (he/him) has produced but the first with a script. He's also told stories at the Moth, the Moth Grand Slam, Huge, Strike and the JCC.

David Hellstrom

Co-producer, writer
David Hellstrom (he/him) is a gentleman, a scholar, a theatrical writer and a man living the dream. You can check out more of David’s work at the Fringe by seeing “When I Was Afraid” at the Phoenix Theatre

Beth Hawkins

Researcher / interviewer
Beth Hawkins (she/her) is a Minneapolis journalist who got her start reporting in Central America in the 1980s. She has a deep understanding of the devastating role the United States has historically played in the crises that propel people from Latin America to seek safety and stability here today.

Sean Gorman Orozco

Spanish Interpreter (Aug 15/16)
Sean Gorman Orozco (he/him) is a state-certified Spanish court interpreter and local Realtor. He and his Costa Rican husband are incredibly proud of the strength and resilience their communities showed them, and profoundly grateful for the support they received during the atrocities of Operation Metro Surge. He remains committed to building stronger communities where every neighbor feels welcomed, supported, and valued.

Nancy Stone

Spanish Interpreter (Aug 15/16)
Nancy Stone (she/her) is a Minnesotan-born Spanish-English interpreter and translator. Along with the rest of the world, she witnessed the horrors of Operation Metro Surge and was proud to stand with our community to play a small part in supporting and defending our Minnesotan-by-choice immigrant neighbors and our shared values of justice, compassion and dignity.

Laura Migliorino

Ghost Shoes
The creator of Ghost Shoes 26 (https://iceghostshoes26.com/), Laura Migliorino (she/her) has received Jerome Foundation grants, Minnesota State Arts Board grants, and various exhibition prizes. Migliorino was an Affiliated Fellow at The American Academy in Rome, and a Fulbright Scholar at The British Library in 2022. Her work is in the collections of the Walker Art Center, Weisman Museum in Minneapolis, The Minnesota Center for Book Arts and The Warehouse in Atlanta. More information at https://www.lauramigliorinoart.com/

Rahma Abdi

Performer
Rahma Abdi (she/her) is excited to be part of this production. Originally from Somalia, she is a mother of two who values learning, growth, and community. She hopes you enjoy the performance.

AJ Awed

Performer
AJ Awed (he/him) is an attorney, mediator, and first generation Somali immigrant. He currently serves as Co-Executive Director of Community Mediation Minnesota and is deeply committed to social justice, civic engagement, and community empowerment. AJ believes in the transformative power of mediation and its ability to help individuals resolve conflict, strengthen relationships, and create lasting positive change.

m boulette

Performer
m boulette (they/them) is a parent, teacher, and attorney living in South Minneapolis. After more than a decade in large law firms, they now work in their own, small firm and divide their time between helping clients in family law disputes, teaching at local law schools, and mission-focused advocacy focusing on intersectional justice for Minnesota’s queer, trans, immigrant, and Native communities. www.boulettelaw.com

Martha Juliana Cubillos

Performer
Martha Juliana Cubillos (she/her or ella/ella) is a Colombian actress and producer. She holds an MFA in Theatre from Minnesota State University, Mankato, and a Bachelor's degree in Audiovisual Production from Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Her screen credits include Detective Marañón, Netflix’s La Huésped, and Historia de un crimen: Mauricio Leal, as well as several independent short films. In the United States, she performed in academic productions such as 1984, Melancholy Play, and Brainpeople. Most recently, she appeared in "De noche todos los gatos dicen ti amo" with Amadeo Teatro in Colombia. https://marthajuliana.wixsite.com/mysite

Victor Garcia Benitez

Performer
Victor Garcia Benitez (he/him) is a Twin Cities-based performer Victor last stage performance was with Teatro Del Pueblo’s Romeo and Juliet: Love in a Time of Hate as Sampson. He holds a B.S in Theater and Political Science from Minnesota State University, Mankato.

Farah Habad

Performer
Farah Habad (he/him) is a Somali poet and communications advisor. Originally from the Bay Area, he lives in Minneapolis.

Shamso Iman

Performer
My name is Shamso Iman (she/her) and I am a social work student with a passion for helping others. As a refugee, I have faced challenges that required resilience, adaptability, and perseverance. These experiences have shaped my values and inspired me to pursue a career in social work, where I hope to support individuals and families facing their own difficulties. I am committed to advocating for social justice, empowering others, and making a positive difference in my community.

Kathryn Klibanoff

Performer
Kathryn Klibanoff (she/her) grew up in Providence, Rhode Island, where she performed on local television, at repertory theater, and in high school musicals. In 1996, she and her husband, Jeremy, moved to Minneapolis, where they raised two daughters. Recently retired from her nonprofit consulting business, Kathryn is studying Spanish to stay connected with the many friends she made during the Surge. She is grateful for the opportunity to perform on stage once again.

Dee Kong

Performer
Minnesota has held and embraced Dee Kong (she/her) since she was a toddler. Although she lived in the Twin Cities most of her life, she made an escape to wander the world for a few years. However, Minnesota kept calling her back -- a reminder of the role she still has. The events in early 2026 have revealed what she’s been called to witness and to be.

Ben Marcy

Performer
Ben Marcy (he/him) is a White cisgender man living in the Twin Cities. After completing his PhD from the University of Minnesota in late 2025, he is taking time to figure out his next chapter in professional life. He serves as Past Chair of the Coalition on Men and Masculinities, part of ACPA–College Student Educators International, helping connect masculinity scholars and practitioners. Additionally, Ben currently serves as a board member with Minnesota Education Equity Partnership (MnEEP), develops curriculum on conflict resolution with University of Minnesota, Extension, and helps pull off arts actions with Big Animal Productions. He has a deep love of the radical arts scene the Twin Cities having previously worked for and performed with Bedlam Theatre.

Linnette Werner

Performer
Linnette Werner (she/her) is making her first appearance on stage since the late 1990s and couldn’t be happier to be part of this fascinating blend of art, history, and Minnesota culture. A Professor of Leadership Studies at Hamline University, she spends her professional life studying how people work together—and occasionally why they don’t. At home, she is known for organizing game nights and coercing unsuspecting family members and friends into performing truly terrible improv scenes. She apologizes to them all.