Paula Vogel Mentors Project: Emma Martin's trip to NYC!

By: Emma Martin



This past weekend, I had the privilege of visiting my mentor, Quiara Hudes, and seeing her magnificent play at 2nd Stage Theater, The Happiest Song Plays Last. The weather was perfect for walking around New York City. We started with a tour of the theater and the stage. The set was beautiful and intriguing - foreshadowing of the story that would unfold there in just a few hours. Quiara described the Chicago set of her play, which was entirely different. It’s amazing how many different perspectives there are for a single work of art. Then, we got lunch at a diner and discussed what I was working on. Personally, nothing stretches out my writing cramps like talking about what I’, trying to write. Being able to express my ideas with Quiara made them seem more real, and more possible. It was refreshing and exactly what I needed. We stopped by a delicious bakery, and then we were off to the theater. I love seeing plays because the audience all laughs and cries together. It is at once a collective and individual experience. Quiara’s story was certainly a fulfilling experience. It tackled a wide range of existential issues, including love, forgiveness, and legacy. I am so grateful to have had this experience. Knowing people like me, people who breath art like oxygen, is what keeps me going.

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Paula Vogel Mentors Project is made by possible by the generous support of the Independence Foundation New Theatre Works Initiative, the Nessa Forman (& Family) Fund at The Philadelphia Foundation, and Honorary Producers, Virginia & Harvey Kimmel.