Honoring the Legacy of Beloved Playwright Floy Quintos
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Floy Quintos (Source: up.edu.ph)
Born with a gift for storytelling on April 17, 1961, Sir Floy, as his students and mentees fondly called him, ventured into theater with an unparalleled passion and dedication. Throughout his illustrious career, he crafted narratives that delved deep into the complexities of the human experience, challenging societal norms, and provoking thought.
His brilliance knew no bounds, as evidenced by the countless accolades he garnered over the years. His works were not merely plays; they were profound reflections of the world around us, shedding light on issues ranging from social injustice to the fragility of the human condition. Among his most notable creations are Fluid, Evening at the Opera, Suor Clara, Collection, Ang Nawalang Kapatid, The Kundiman Party, and The Reconciliation Dinner.
A scene shot from “Collection”, Alya Honasan in the middle, surrounded by the Dulaang UP ensemble. (Photo by Vlad Gonzales)
Before our paths crossed, Floy had already earned glowing praises from my professors and mentors. So, when he penned Collection, it felt like an unexpected gift. The world premiere was at the Guerrero Theater under Dulaang UP in 2013. His consistent generosity blessed every collaboration. He personally sought out props and set pieces, taking the time to sit with me, the property head, guiding me to sources. His attention to even the smallest details, like selecting a handbag for a character, was remarkable. "Charlette, this is so mamahalin (expensive), so handle it with care," he'd say, before graciously gifting them to me once the show closed. Later, I passed it on to the actor portraying the character, a gesture that felt perfectly fitting. After all, working with him already felt like a gift.
Beyond his undeniable talent as a playwright, Floy Quintos was a mentor, visionary, and an inspiration to aspiring artists everywhere. His commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers was unwavering, and his influence will continue to resonate within the theater community for years to come.
The “Ang Nawalang Kapatid” ensemble poses for the end of the first act (Photo by Vlad Gonzales).
During the late months of 2013, as we delved into rehearsals and preparations for Ang Nawalang Kapatid, he came to one of our workshops. Seated at the forefront, he observed the run-through with keen interest. Despite everyone still acquainting themselves with their roles, he was the first among the artistic team to extend his gratitude to the cast and backstage crew, acknowledging their diligent efforts. “Thank you. Thank you for your hard work.” I made a note of his words in my journal: Sir Floy's demeanor consistently radiated gratitude unreservedly expressed.
On a rehearsal day in January, just before I announced a 10-minute break, he approached me with provisions for the student actors, “I have food for the bagets (newbies), give them extra time to eat muna ha (first).” This thoughtful gesture recurred several times throughout our rehearsals, revealing his inherent care for the students. His commitment to the company surpassed that of a mere playwright. Often, he'd spontaneously conceive rewrites or additional lines, prompting a frenzied yet exhilarating race to capture his thoughts. My assistant stage manager, Flow, would swiftly document the revisions digitally, while I scrambled to jot down his words, each moment feeling like witnessing the conjuring of magic in real time.
Floy Quintos, far left standing in navy blue, poses with the Dulaang UP company, students & faculty for the Gala of Ang Nawalang Kapatid (Photo by Jessette Namin)
Collection and Ang Nawalang Kapatid received widespread plaudits, with numerous publications citing their excellence. The glowing reviews and accolades, and consecutive weeks of sold-out performances led to extended runs for both productions. Floy's presence added an extra layer of joy and camaraderie. He not only attended our shows, but also often came bearing treats for the actors, radiating genuine enthusiasm and support for the production and its cast. His thoughtfulness further enriched the experience, creating cherished memories for everyone involved. He extended the same generosity and support to theater students seeking guidance and assistance; his altruism knew no limits.
“His works were not merely plays; they were profound reflections of the world around us, shedding light on issues ranging from social injustice to the fragility of the human condition.”
These productions marked significant milestones in a student's journey. The opportunity to witness Sir Floy's brilliance firsthand is a privilege unmatched and irreplaceable. In a theater world that is often marked by cruelty, Sir Floy stood out as a beacon of kindness and above all, goodness. He epitomized the ideal theater artist we all aspire to be: generous, astute, and dedicated. While I take pride in my involvement in these productions, I can't help but yearn to experience their magic as an audience member, to fully appreciate their impact from a different perspective.
As we mourn the loss of Floy Quintos, let us also celebrate the indelible mark he has left on the world. He may have bidden us farewell, but his spirit will forever linger, echoed by his unforgettable stories that remind us of the power of art to transcend boundaries and unite us in shared humanity. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and captivate audiences for generations to come. Let us honor his life by embracing the transformative power of storytelling and striving to make the world a more compassionate and understanding place.
Sir Floy, rest in peace, know that your legacy will endure.
Floy Quintos and the author (Photo courtesy of Charlette San Juan)
Charlette San Juan is a Chicago-based theatre artist whose roots sprout from Manila, Philippines. She’s a stage manager at the Second City and a producer of the all-Asian Stand-up show Model Majority at Laugh Factory Chicago.
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