Fear & Wonder
In a forbidden love story, Jabez and Ryan, two boys of color, navigate a Christian summer camp together in the early 2000s. Their friendship quickly grows into a budding romance that they try to keep alive after returning home. Challenged by their parents, the hazards of landline phones, and their faith, they are forced to secrecy. Finding solace in each other and their shared love of music, theology, and Harry Potter; the reality of living in between two worlds threaten to keep them apart as they navigate their blossoming queer identities and teenage angst in their conservative faith communities.
Playwright
Jason Tseng
Jason Tseng (they/them/ta) is a queer, non-binary Chinese-American playwright with roots in New York City and Washington D.C.. Their plays have been presented and developed by Flux Theatre Ensemble, Judson Arts, Mission to dit(Mars), Theatre COTE, Inkubator Arts, Second Generation, Downtown Urban Arts Festival, LA Queer New Works Festival, BIPOC Playwrights Festival at Boise Contemporary Theater. They are a Creative Partner of Flux Theatre Ensemble, a member of The Civilians’s 2019/2020 R&D Group, a member of Mission to dit(Mars)’s Propulsion Lab, and their plays have been honored as a Finalist and Semi-Finalist at The Bay Area Playwrights Festival, Semi-finalists for the New American Voices Playwrights Festival and the Eugene O’Neill National Playwrights Conference. Jason’s full-length plays include Rizing (World Premier, Flux Theatre Ensemble), Like Father, Same Same, Ghost Money, Fear and Wonder, and The Other Side. More info at www.jasontseng.co
Meet the Creative Team
Director
AEJAY ANTONIS MARQUIS MITCHELL
AeJay Mitchell (they/them) is a multi-hyphenated performance artist, educator, and activist whose work centers the decolonization of the theatrical canon, the black avant-garde, and queer political performance practice. They were most recently witnessed in the critically acclaimed Ni¿¿er Lovers at The Magic Theatre and served as the co-director, choreographer, and vocal arranger for the world premiere of Ryan M. Luevano’s Dance Plague. They are a member of the Black Artists Contemporary Cultural Experience collective, Literary Manager and Dramaturgs of the Americas, and Actor’s Equity.
Dramaturg
ELY SONNY ORQUIZA
A 2023 YBCA 100 Honoree, Ely Sonny Orquiza (he | him) is a multidisciplinary Queer Filipino artistic director, stage director, and arts educator native to San Francisco Bay Area, the unceded territory of the Ramaytush Ohlone People. Through theater and the performing arts Orquiza illuminates the experiences of the Asian diaspora, explores the politics of Queer/ness, and gives voice to the narratives of People from the Global Majority. As an artist, Orquiza draws on his heritage and lived experiences to create stunning theatrical productions that captivate audiences and spark meaningful conversations about equity and representation. Through his art and advocacy, he is breaking down barriers and elevating marginalized voices; and as a passionate teacher and community leader, Orquiza uses his extensive background in teaching artistry to engage with diverse communities and non-profit organizations, creating spaces for creativity, collaboration, and empowerment. To keep in touch and learn more about Ely’s works: elysonnyorquiza.org.
PRODUCTION ASSISTANT
MONIQUE CRAWFORD
Monique Crawford (she/her) is ecstatic to be back in the room! This is her third year working with Bay Area Playwrights Festival. Monique is a multiracial African-Caribbean actor and artist from Fairfield, CA. She graduated from California State University Sacramento with her B.A. in Theatre. Monique is a working actor in The Bay, and enjoys PA-ing inbetween projects she’s performing in. She most recently closed the American Conservatory Theater’s inaugural A.C.T. OUT Tour of “Measure for Measure”. Her other previous Bay works include “EDIT ANNIE” (Crowded Fire Theater), “Mondragola” (Central Works), and “Cinderella” (African-American Shakespeare Company). Monique has a passion for social justice and founded BE FREE (Black Engaged Fundamental Racial Equity Everyday), calling for radical change within CSUS, where she also led affinity and Racial Healing Circles through The Center for Spiritual Awareness. Follow Monique on social media to stay updated with what’s coming next.
Meet the Cast
*Tanika Baptiste (she/they) is ecstatic on making her premiere in the 2024 Bay Area Playwright Festival! Tanika is a SFBATCC winning actor/director and the Experience and Talent Supervisor for Enchant Christmas at Paypal Park Stadium. Regional credits: Delcina/Moms in Dirty White Teslas Make Me Sad (Magic Theatre) Adenikeh in Nollywood Dreams (San Francisco Playhouse) Shirelle in Beautiful: Carol King Musical (Woodminster), MC in N¿¿ER LOVERS (Magic Theatre) She/Angie in Is God Is (Oakland Theatre Project) Tessie Tura in Gypsy (Mountain Play/RVP) Swing Beehive (Center REP) SBF 1in Single Black Female (Lorraine Hansberry Theatre) Deloris in Sister Act (Pittsburg Theatre Company) Effie in Dreamgirls (Berkeley Playhouse). Select directorial credits: Crumbs From the Table of Joy (Townhall Theatre) Giraffes Can’t Dance ( Bay Area Children’s Theatre) At the Wake of a Dead Drag Queen (Theatre Rhinoceros) Thanks Aejay, Jessica & Tessa! Congrats Jason! Love to my family and friends! AEA/SDC
Geovany (he/him), a dedicated teacher, returns to the stage in ‘Fear and Wonder’ after performances in ‘In the Red and Brown Water,’ ‘The Trojan Women,’ and ‘Unstable Connection.’ Trained in Theatre and Performance Studies, his commitment to storytelling shines through in every performance. Geovany looks forward to once again immersing himself in the world of theatre, ready to evoke both fear and wonder in his portrayal of Ryan.
Terry (he/him) is a PNW based, actor, director, and musician. He is so excited to be a part of Fear & Wonder and the Bay Area Playwright’s Festival. Acting credits include: The Lightning Thief (Oregon Children’s Theatre), Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (OCT), The Winter’s Tale (Struts & Frets), understudy for Cambodian Rock Band (Oregon Shakespeare Festival), Baseball Saved Us (5th Ave’s Adventure Musical Theatre), We Are Not Free (audiobook). He is a company member of Theatre Diaspora, a Portland based AAPI theatre company. IG: the_terrence
*Member of Actors Equity Association