Meet LOUR

We had the good fortune of connecting with LOUR and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi LOUR, why did you pursue a creative career?
Growing up in Jerusalem and the West Bank, I never saw myself represented on screen or on stage. I realized early on that if I wanted to see my story told, I couldn’t just wait for someone else to do it—I had to take matters into my own hands. Art has the power to create social and political change by humanizing others and highlighting their lived experiences. Seeing this firsthand made me understand how vital it is to bring my own perspective to the forefront.

That’s why I became the first Palestinian musical theatre writer and created projects like AREA D, the first Palestinian Pop/Punk Broadway musical that blends traditional Middle Eastern sounds with modern genres. AREA D follows a Palestinian band competing at Eurovision the year it was hosted in Tel Aviv and features an entirely SWANA cast.

I also composed music for Under The Sheet, a genre-fusion musical combining Hip-Hop, mariachi, Aztec, and Broadway influences. For me, it’s always been about pushing the envelope and adding a fresh spin to my work.

In addition to writing and composing, I’m also an actor, seen in roles like the lead in the film Tired, as well as in The Arab Olympics series and The Shift. Being one of the first Palestinian actors to work in these mediums is incredibly exciting, and it’s been rewarding to see more SWANA talent gaining recognition in the American industry.

Ultimately, it’s about creating and being part of art that stands out and contributes to a more inclusive and vibrant artistic community. I hope my work paves the way for future generations and shows others that their voices and stories are worth sharing.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is all about breaking new ground and telling stories that haven’t been told before. Everything I create is unique, blending traditional and contemporary elements in ways that haven’t been explored previously. For example, AREA D is a groundbreaking Palestinian Pop/Punk Broadway musical that fuses Middle Eastern music with punk rock, featuring an entirely SWANA cast—a first of its kind. It’s set for a run at Joe’s Pub at the end of 2024, and I’m excited to bring this innovative work to a broader audience.

In Under The Sheet, I composed music that combines Hip-Hop, mariachi, Aztec, and Broadway influences. This genre-fusion musical tells a gritty story about maids working for a hit man, showcasing a narrative and musical style that’s entirely new. Under The Sheet will have a sold-out run at IRT Theatre in August 2024, and I’m thrilled to see how it will resonate with audiences.

As an actor, I often find myself as the only Palestinian in the cast, whether in film, television, or theatre. For instance, in an adaptation of Next to Normal, I played the lead role of Diana Goodman, becoming the first SWANA actor of my background to take on such a part. These roles are significant not just for me but for representation as a whole. Additionally, The Arab Olympics series has been ordered for a full season and is set to shoot in 2025. It’s incredibly exciting to be part of a predominantly SWANA cast and to see a story of its kind unfold on screen, representing a dysfunctional Middle Eastern family in a comedy.

Growing up, there was no industry back home, so I had to leave Palestine and move to a new country to pursue my passion. This transition came with challenges, from adapting to a new culture to navigating an unfamiliar industry. However, these experiences have enriched my work and deepened my commitment to creating art that stands out.

For me, representation is about more than just telling stories from my culture; it’s about being a visible presence in the industry. When I was young, I was asked to name three Middle Eastern or SWANA entertainers to prove that a career in entertainment was possible. At that time, I couldn’t name any, which fueled my drive to be seen. I want to be the name that inspires others and proves that our stories and voices are essential.

Ultimately, my goal is to create art that is not only innovative but also sets new standards. Whether through genre-fusion in music or unique acting roles, I aim to challenge norms and provide a platform for underrepresented voices. My journey is about breaking new ground and inspiring others to see the value in diverse and innovative storytelling.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting and I wanted to show them a true New York experience, I’d definitely start with The Drama Bookshop. It’s not just any bookstore—it’s a treasure trove for theatre lovers. You can find everything from rare scripts to the latest plays, and the vibe is just so creative and inspiring. Plus, the staff are incredibly knowledgeable and passionate about theatre, which makes it even more special.

Then, for something totally different and super fun, I’d take them roller skating at Pier 2 in Brooklyn Bridge Park. It’s a fantastic spot with a roller rink that plays all the best disco hits. It’s a blast—like stepping back into the past with all the retro vibes and a great atmosphere. Whether you’re actually skating or just soaking up the lively scene, it’s a quintessential New York experience that’s hard to beat.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’ve been incredibly fortunate to work with amazing artists and writers throughout my career, but I also want to acknowledge the spaces and organizations that have supported my work and helped bring new art to life. A big shoutout to The Moxie Incubator, Green Room 42, The Dramatist Guild Foundation, and Joe’s Pub for being instrumental in showcasing my projects and fostering innovative work. It’s been thrilling to be part of such a dynamic conversation.

I also want to give a special shoutout to my mentors, Lin-Manuel Miranda and KO (Karen Olivo). Their belief in my talents as both a composer and actor has been invaluable. Seeing Lin-Manuel create and perform in Hamilton was incredibly inspiring; it’s one of the reasons I wrote and acted in AREA D, as he showed me that our stories are important and need to be told. And KO was one of the first people to believe in my talents. I’ll never forget when they told me they had never heard a voice like mine during a workshop—they gave me the confidence to continue honing my craft as an actor.

Website: https://louryasin.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/louryasin/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCONrhL9uSN6Mtql2SlzOhcQ 

Image Credits
N/A.