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LILI/DARWIN Brings Authenticity and Expression to the Stage

In partnership with PA

By Daniel Fusch

Photo Courtesy: Oliver Miguel

Most people have trouble mastering just one art form, but Darwin Del Fabro has shown an affinity for four: acting, singing, writing, and producing. The Brazilian-born New York City resident is getting ready to debut her one-person show, LILI/DARWIN, at The Tank Theatre, 312 W 36th St., New York, NY 10018, this August. The New York City venue will provide an intimate backdrop for Fabro’s genre-bending play directed by Meghan Finn.

Reclaiming Her Identity and the Stage

LILI/DARWIN is Fabro’s first time back on the stage since 2024, and the piece centers on her own experience with identity. She’s always felt a kinship with Danish painter Lili Elbe, whose background mirrored Fabro’s. As a result, she pays homage to Elbe’s legacy in the show.

By mashing up history with her own experiences, Fabro has created something entirely new that deep dives into staying true to who you are and the toll it can take when you feel you need to hide. LILI/DARWIN not only features unique and original storytelling, but audiences will get treated to live music.

Telling a Story That Matters

Fabro views her 2024 journey as an emergence rather than a reinvention, as she was simply honouring who she always was. A year later, she’s reflecting on her recovery and growth with a renewed relationship between her voice, identity, and purpose. Now, Fabro is telling her story in LILI/DARWIN, inviting audiences into her world more intimately.

Years in the Spotlight

Fabro has a slew of acting credits to her name, including her breakout role in the John Logan-directed movie They/Them. The Blumhouse horror film also stars Kevin Bacon and Carrie Preston. It’s always impactful when movies allow actors to tell their own stories, making Fabro’s role in the slasher film a powerful addition to the horror genre.

Photo Courtesy: Oliver Miguel

While Fabro is best known for They/Them, she also appeared in shows like Ligações Perigosas and Novo Mundo. LILI/DARWIN won’t be her first time on the stage, either. Fabro has a musical theatre background with roles in the Brazilian productions of Shrek the Musical, Fiddler on the Roof, The Wizard of Oz, and Era no Tempo do Rei.

She’s graced the New York stage during the Juneberry Collective performance of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Signature Theatre’s The Feather Doesn’t FallFar from the Wing, and The Tank’s Real. May of 2025 also marked her first headlining solo concert at the iconic cabaret club 54 Below.

A Multi-Faceted Artist at Heart

On top of Fabro’s acting work, she’s released multiple albums like Darwin Del Fabro in Rio, Revisiting Jobim, and Revisiting Elis Regina. Fabro also founded the company Madalena Productions, which centers on her passion for theatre, film, and music.

New York City has long been a hub for creatives, and Fabro is adding to that culture this summer by co-launching an East Village café, Cahoots, with her best friend, Daniel Frehner. The duo wants Cahoots to offer a warm, poetic space that encourages connection and creativity with an emphasis on community.

Photo Courtesy: Oliver Miguel

Naturally, Fabro has spent her life honouring her passion for creating. Between acting, writing, singing, and producing, she uses her art and experiences to connect with others. Fabro isn’t interested in asking for permission before she gives others a glimpse of her path in life. Being true to herself and her craft is her first priority, resulting in an authenticity that you just can’t fake. Fabro hopes to continue centering her work in presence, joy, and authenticity.