A FORM OF FLATTERY

Housecleaner Evelyn Mercado is a self-taught artist who finds quiet joy in casually copying masterworks at the Met. But as she works toward US citizenship and a long awaited reunion with her daughter in the Philippines, Evelyn finds herself drawn into an art forgery scheme that could endanger everything—and everyone—she loves.

A FORM OF FLATTERY is Mel’s current work-in-progress, a brand new drama inspired by family immigration stories as well as fascinating questions touching on what makes great art great. Currently in development, the play has been recognized as a finalist for the 2023 JAW New Play Festival at Portland Center Stage as well as the 46th Bay Area Playwrights Festival, where it was also named one of twelve Honorable Mentions.

“At its heart, this is a beautifully rendered family drama, but the elements of intrigue and the larger meditations on the ownership and value of art add layers of nuance! Portia's impulsive decision as a teenager has fascinating ripple effects, and the way the ramifications do or don't play out is unexpected but satisfying. There is such poignancy to the ending in that what seems like an ultimate ‘win’ for Evelyn and a skirting of the worst possible outcome is its own ultimate tragedy. The exploration of art, what its worth, and authorship of creativity was fascinating too!” — playwright Nick Malakhow on The New Play Exchange