A Night at the Tonys: Bourzgui's Call for Empathy and Freedom
Ali Louis Bourzgui, the Moroccan-American actor who won his first Tony Award for his role as a vampire in The Lost Boys, used his acceptance speech to send a powerful message of solidarity. He dedicated the award to immigrant families, queer and trans communities, and the people of Palestine.
"Immigrant families deserve empathy, queer and trans communities will always exist, and the people of Palestine deserve a free life without occupation."
Bourzgui specifically called for a free life for the people of Palestine, urging them to live "without occupation." He also encouraged Arab theatermakers to continue telling their stories, emphasizing the importance of representation and narrative.
A Star on Stage and Screen
Previously known for his roles in The Who's Tommy and Hadestown, Bourzgui reflected on the unique power of theater. He noted that the stage provides a space for "collective human presence" and that the fantasy elements in his Lost Boys role help explore profound questions about humanity.
The speech, which has been widely celebrated online, underscores Bourzgui's commitment to using his platform for advocacy. By linking the experiences of immigrant families, LGBTQ+ communities, and Palestinians, he highlighted a vision of theater as a unifying force for justice and empathy.