In Memoriam

The Maria Irene Fornés Playlist

How my teacher led me home.

We who were lucky enough to study with the great playwright and teacher felt challenged, inspired, and above all seen.

His road to Broadway was paved with talent, chutzpah, and collaboration.

A quiet fixture of L.A.’s theatre scene, Ong wrote a wide variety of plays and showed up to support even more.

Recollections of the master comic playwright from his longtime publicist and 2 actors who originated roles in his work.

He was a master stage craftsman in both classics and new work, and a gracious collaborator to boot.

His colleagues remember the Tectonic actor and company member as the best among us.

In just a dozen years, the performer-turned-director/choreographer’s creativity and leadership made a profound impact on Chicago and beyond.

A designer who continually remade the Performing Garage and the Wilma, he was also a ready teacher, mentor, and problem-solver.

He didn’t set out to write shows any more than I did, but when the music and the theatre called, we followed.