less, and how opening up to people is a big part of getting through it.” Teo, as well as other characters in the play, is an amalgamation of individuals Quintana came across while volunteering at the shelter. The experiences her characters go through echo those of real people, and even some of her own. In terms of her character’s love life, Quintana recalls being hit on by a young homeless woman at the shelter. “I was with my friends later, and they asked if I would ever go out with her,” the Manhattan based writer said. “It kind of made me think, why not? I feel like it’s kind of the same thing when you meet a stranger in a bar or on OkCupid.” It’s these little details that bring relatable humanity to her characters’ lives. Teo struggles to find love in a place where survival is the first priority. The play’s simple yet provocative title, "Evensong," comes from an Episcopalian tradition. Quintana wanted a title that encompassed a “chorus of the city.” “Evensong” is the name of an evening prayer service, traditionally done through song. To Quintana, it symbolizes a coming together of humanity, of society helping one another. The show will use choral music throughout, along with other fantastical elements only possible in a theatrical space. The show promises to not only entertain its audience, but also offer something larger. Quintana and Bondarin share the vision that viewers will leave their seats with a greater sense of the world around them. “This play takes you inside the inner perspective of a character Teo and his day-today life in New York City,” Bondarin said. “You get to experience what he experiences in a way that makes the topic much more relatable. It allows us to understand the issue better and understand how we look at other people — hopefully with a little more sensitivity and humility, because we could find ourselves in the same situation tomorrow.” This is not the first time Quintana and Bondarin have worked together, and when Bondarin read the “Evensong” script for the first time, she knew it was meant for APAC. “This is a really good play for us from a thematic point of view, but it’s also really good for our space,” Bondarin said. The playwright shared the sentiment, recalling that the minute she saw the theater space, it just “felt right.” Just as the play and the space work together in perfect harmony, so do the human connections of Quintana’s story, producing the perfect “Evensong” for their audience. APAC artistic director Dev Bondarin Images courtesy of APAC NOVEMBER 2016 I BOROMAG.COM I 23
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