Brazilian actor Darwin Del Fabro spoke about starring in the new stage show “Lili/Darwin.” This limited engagement runs at The Tank NYC through August 23rd.
What inspired you to write “Lili/Darwin”?
I think I’ve always been searching for language to express something that felt too intimate, too complex, to say out loud.
When I discovered Lili Elbe’s diaries, I felt like I was reading a mirror—her words were raw, unfinished, vulnerable.
I knew then I wanted to create a piece that honored both her story and mine, and explored the in-between: the liminal space of becoming.
“Lili/Darwin” isn’t just about transitioning—it’s about visibility, grief, survival, and the beauty of finally being able to look at yourself and say, “There you are.”
How does it feel to be performing it in New York?
It’s overwhelming—in the most humbling way. New York has shaped me, broken me, and made me braver.
To bring this piece to a city that’s taught me so much about myself is both terrifying and exhilarating.
I feel held and exposed at the same time, and I wouldn’t want it any other way.
What was it like being a part of the horror film “They/Them” on Peacock?
It was a wild and beautiful experience. To be part of a project that centers queer characters in a horror setting felt radical—and necessary.
The horror genre has always fascinated me because it externalizes fear, and for many of us in the queer and trans communities, fear is something we’ve lived with quietly for years.
“They/Them” gave me the space to explore that with honesty, while also having fun with the genre.
Loved your scenes with Cooper Koch… What was it like working with him?
Cooper is a gem. He brings this incredible mix of openness, depth, and mischief to every scene.
We trusted each other, and that made all the difference. Our scenes were delicate and emotionally charged, and having a partner like him made the work feel honest and safe.
Cooper has that rare quality of being both generous and electric on screen.
How does it feel to be an artist in the digital age?
It’s complicated. On one hand, we have more platforms than ever to tell our stories and reach people across borders, which is powerful—especially for the voices that are underrepresented but it can also feel noisy.
There’s a constant pressure to be visible, perform yourself, and stay relevant. I try to focus on making work that feels necessary, not just visible.
What is your advice for young and emerging artists?
Protect your curiosity. Be as bold in your questions as you are in your creations. Also, don’t wait for permission—create the work you need to see.
The industry can be intimidating, but your voice is your anchor. Use it.
What does the word success mean to you?
Success, to me, is when someone tells me they felt seen because of something I made. When art becomes a mirror for someone else’s truth—that’s everything.
I’m not chasing fame or perfection. I’m chasing moments of real connection.
What’s the one thing you want our readers to know about “Lili/Darwin”?
That it’s not just a play—it’s a heartbeat. It’s a love letter to every version of myself that never got to be. It’s for anyone who’s ever felt like they had to hide in plain sight.
If you come to “Lili/Darwin,” come ready to feel, to remember, and maybe—to begin again.
For more information on Darwin Del Fabro, follow her on Instagram.
To learn more about the show “Lili/Darwin,” check out its official homepage.
