It is a trilingual musical in English, Spanish and Arabic. The project was proposed by KO Olivo, associate professor and Director of the Music Theatre Certificate Program, Theatre Department, Musical Theatre Area.
This October, the Music Theatre Area hosts a workshop of Siluetas, a new trilingual musical by Erlina Ortiz and Robi Hager to Northwestern University. Told in English, Spanish, and Arabic, Siluetas follows the unexpected bond between a Cuban-American immigrant, Dinora, played by Tony Award winner K O (Karen Olivo), and a Syrian refugee, Khalilah, NU alum Yara Nasr, in 2016, exploring displacement, forgiveness, and the meaning of home.
The workshop is built as a living classroom. Hager's score draws on Latin and Arab musical traditions, and the process has been shaped by Southwest Asian and North African (SWANA) artists and scholars. Chicago musician and educator Ronnie Malley serves as Music Consultant. Sami Hussain Ismat of Columbia College Chicago, a scholar of Syrian identity and diaspora, serves as Cultural Consultant. Suzi Elnaggar brings SWANA scholarly expertise as Dramaturg. Directed by Tatyana-Marie Carlo, Co-Produced by Sarah Inendino and K O, the company features Tony Award Winner K O as Dinora, alongside student Mackenzie Kirkwood as Ian, Northwestern alum Yara Nasr plays Khalilah, Johanna Carlisle-Zepeda as Mama, and ten Northwestern student artists in the Ancestors ensemble.
Performances: Friday, October 23 at 7:00pm and Monday, October 26 at 7:00pm | Wirtz 201 | Free | link to the Eventbrite
This project is supported by The Alumnae of Northwestern University 2026–2027 Academic Enrichment Grant.