We were lucky to catch up with Lour recently and have shared our conversation below.

LOUR, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.

The first time I knew I wanted to pursue a creative path professionally was during my childhood in Jerusalem. Growing up, I never saw anyone on stage or screen who looked like me or shared my cultural background. The stories that surrounded me were often not my own, and I felt an immense need to change that narrative. I vividly remember watching a local theatre production and feeling a spark of inspiration. It wasn’t just about the story being told; it was about the power of being seen and heard.

From that moment, I felt a calling to bring Palestinian stories to the forefront, to create a space where my culture and experiences could be celebrated and represented authentically. This calling only grew stronger as I got older. I began to involve myself in local theatre and music programs, eventually becoming a part of The Freedom Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed in Palestine. Those experiences solidified my belief that art can be a powerful tool for social and political change.

One pivotal moment came when I realized that waiting for someone else to write my story wasn’t an option. I had to take control of my narrative. I wanted to tell stories that humanize others, shed light on lived experiences, and inspire those from marginalized backgrounds to pursue careers in the arts. This passion for storytelling and representing my culture became my driving force, leading me to create projects like AREA D, the first Palestinian Pop/Punk Broadway musical.

I knew then that my life’s work would revolve around the arts, using my voice and platform to uplift and represent those who often feel unseen.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I’m Lour Yasin, known artistically as LOUR, and I am a Palestinian actress, singer, writer, and composer. My work is dedicated to bringing authentic Arab and Palestinian representation to the forefront of the arts. Growing up in Jerusalem, I recognized a lack of stories that reflected my experiences and the realities of my community. This realization fueled my passion for the arts and my desire to create works that highlight the depth, diversity, and humanity of the Palestinian and broader Arab experience.

My journey into the arts has been both personal and mission-driven. I believe that art is a powerful tool for social and political change. It can humanize others, shed light on lived experiences, and bring communities together. This belief has guided my career, from my early involvement with The Freedom Theatre and Theatre of the Oppressed in Palestine to my more recent work in New York City’s vibrant arts scene.

I strive to innovate and create something new that hasn’t been done before. A prime example of this is my Arab Pop fusion EP titled Maladaptive. This project blends contemporary pop sounds with traditional Arabic musical elements, creating a unique fusion that reflects my cultural heritage while pushing the boundaries of genre. Maladaptive is not just an album; it’s a statement about the versatility and richness of Arab culture, aimed at challenging stereotypes and showcasing the modern Arab experience.

In addition to my music, I am also known for writing, composing, and starring in AREA D, the first Palestinian Pop/Punk Broadway musical. This groundbreaking project combines punk rock’s rebellious spirit with pop melodies while centering on Palestinian narratives. It has been a defining piece in my career, allowing me to showcase Palestinian stories in a way that challenges stereotypes and pushes cultural boundaries. I am really excited to take AREA D to The Tank and Joe’s Pub/The Public Theater for its upcoming run, where it will have the opportunity to reach wider audiences and make a significant impact in the heart of New York City’s theatre scene.

I’ve also worked on other impactful projects like The Arab Olympics series, which celebrates and humorously critiques the Arab experience, further promoting cultural representation. My involvement in these projects is driven by my mission to ensure that marginalized voices, especially those from the SWANA (Southwest Asian and North African) region, are heard and seen.

What sets me apart from others in my field is my unwavering commitment to cultural authenticity and innovation through art. I’m not just focused on entertainment; I aim to educate, inspire, and bring about social change. My projects are deeply personal, drawn from my lived experiences and the stories of my community, making them both unique and impactful. I am proud to have been recognized for my efforts, such as being selected for Arabs 30 under 30 and becoming the first Palestinian to receive the prestigious Lin-Manuel Miranda Fellowship.

My work is not just about me; it’s about paving the way for future generations of Arab and Palestinian artists. I want young people to see my name and know that it’s possible to pursue a career in the arts, no matter where they come from or what obstacles they face. Through my music, theatre, and acting, I hope to continue breaking down barriers and building bridges of understanding, one story at a time.

If there’s one thing I want potential followers, fans, and collaborators to know about me, it’s that my art is a reflection of my identity, my heritage, and my commitment to making a difference. I’m here to tell the stories that need to be told and to bring my culture to the global stage, unapologetically and with pride.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is the opportunity to make a real impact on people’s lives through storytelling. As a Palestinian artist, I am deeply committed to representing marginalized voices, particularly those from the SWANA region, and sharing narratives that are often overlooked or misunderstood. Being able to shine a light on these stories and create art that resonates with others is incredibly fulfilling.

There is nothing quite like the feeling of connecting with an audience on an emotional level, whether it’s through a song that moves them or a theatre performance that opens their eyes to new perspectives. Art has the power to humanize experiences, bridge cultural divides, and spark conversations that lead to greater understanding and empathy. Knowing that my work can contribute to this is what drives me every day.

Moreover, seeing young people from similar backgrounds be inspired by my journey and feel empowered to pursue their own creative passions is incredibly rewarding. When they tell me that seeing someone like me on stage or screen makes them feel seen and represented, it reinforces my commitment to my craft and my mission. I want to be a source of hope and encouragement for the next generation of artists, showing them that their stories matter and that their voices deserve to be heard.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

Absolutely. One aspect of the creative journey that non-creatives might struggle to understand is the emotional and personal investment that goes into each project. For many artists, their work is not just a job or a profession but a deeply personal expression of their identity, experiences, and values. This means that every project carries a significant emotional weight.

In my case, as a Palestinian artist, my creative work is intertwined with my cultural heritage and personal experiences. Projects like AREA D and Maladaptive are not just artistic endeavors; they are reflections of my desire to represent and uplift marginalized voices and to challenge stereotypes. This makes the process both profoundly rewarding and deeply challenging. The emotional highs and lows of creating art can be intense, as it often involves navigating personal vulnerabilities and confronting difficult truths.

Additionally, the path of a creative is often marked by uncertainty and risk. Unlike more traditional career paths, artists frequently face financial instability, public scrutiny, and the pressure of constant self-evaluation. Balancing the need for artistic authenticity with the practical demands of making a living can be incredibly challenging. This can sometimes be hard for non-creatives to fully grasp, as it involves a unique blend of passion, perseverance, and resilience.

Understanding these facets of the creative journey can provide insight into the dedication and drive that artists bring to their work. It’s not just about creating something beautiful or entertaining; it’s about making a meaningful impact, both personally and culturally. The process is often fraught with challenges, but it’s also driven by a deep commitment to one’s craft and to making a difference through art.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://louryasin.com
• Instagram: https://louryasin.com

Image Credits

I have all the rights to my images