Independent Arts News Reporting First Look: Photos from the "Muleheaded" World Premiere at Passage Theatre
Reported on Monday, February 2, 2026
Pictured Above: Constance Thompson, Unissa Cruse, Anthony Vaughn Merchant,. Photo Credit: Habiyb Shu’Aib.
NEWSROOM POST: TRENTON, NEW JERSEY
Passage Theatre shares first look production photos of David Robson's "Muleheaded, or Zora and Langston Write a Play. On stage through February 16, 2026.
Trenton, NJ – Passage Theatre, the only professional theatre company in Trenton, opened on January 29th, the World Premiere of David Robson’s Muleheaded, or Zora and Langston Write a Play, based on a seldom told true story between literary giants Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes. Robson had previously written Passage Theatre’s fall 2022 production of Blues in My Soul. This production stars Constance Thompson as ZORA, Anthony Vaughn Merchant as LANGSTON, and Unissa Cruse as LOUISE and will be directed by Passage Theatre Executive Artistic Director Brishen Miller, with Passage’s season 41 artist-in-residence Ozzie Jones serving as the production’s dramaturg.
In Muleheaded, Zora Neale Hurston and Langston Hughes team up to write a Broadway play—but artistic dreams give way to betrayal, ego, and heartbreak. Set during the Harlem Renaissance and inspired by true events, this sharp, soulful drama explores the fragility of friendship, the weight of ambition, and what happens when the dream is deferred.
Pictured Above: Constance Thompson, Unissa Cruse, Anthony Vaughn Merchant,. Photo Credit: Habiyb Shu’Aib.
“It’s both an artists’ love story and a cautionary tale to all who create,” shares Miller. “This play challenges us to consider how we heal after the dream is deferred and the history is rewritten.”
Muleheaded will run for three weekends, Wednesday through Sunday, January 29 through February 16, 2026. Due to some sensuality and coarse language, this play is recommended for audiences 14 and up. Tickets are on sale at https://www.passagetheatre.org/tickets
Pictured Above: Constance Thompson, Anthony Vaughn Merchant. Photo Credit: Habiyb Shu’Aib.
About Passage Theatre Company:
Passage Theatre Company is committed to creating and producing socially relevant plays and arts programming that deeply resonate with and reflect our community. Through professional productions, educational programs, and community engagement, we present diverse voices that inspire audiences and invigorate the art of live theatre.
Pictured Above: Anthony Vaughn Merchant, Constance Thompson, Unissa Cruse. Photo Credit: Habiyb Shu’Aib.
Pictured Above: Anthony Vaughn Merchant, Constance Thompson. Photo Credit: Habiyb Shu’Aib.
Pictured Above: Constance Thompson. Photo Credit: Habiyb Shu’Aib.
