WKU News

The Potter College of Arts & Letters (PCAL) at WKU will welcome Pulitzer-winning playwright, author, and Tony-winning musician, Quiara Alegría Hudes, to campus as part of their Cultural Enhancement Series on Thursday, September 19, at 7 PM in the DSU Auditorium. 

Hudes offers audiences the opportunity to hear untold stories. Her memoir, My Broken Language, is a lyrical exploration of coming of age against the backdrop of a Philadelphia barrio, with her sprawling Puerto Rican family as a collective muse. Hudes won the Pulitzer Prize in Drama for her play, Water by the Spoonful. She also wrote the script for Tony Award-winning In the Heights, a Broadway play adapted into a major motion picture, in collaboration with Lin-Manuel Miranda. The accompanying book, In the Heights: Finding Home, is a New York Times bestseller. Hudes’ screenplay for Netflix, Vivo, is her animation debut. As an essayist, she has written for The Nation, The Washington Post, The New York Times, and more. She is one of the most innovative artists of this generation, expanding the boundaries of storytelling.

Hudes’ material impact as an activist is as strong as her cultural influence as a writer. Hudes and her cousin founded Emancipated Stories, a nonprofit helping people behind bars share one page of their life story with the world. Hudes’ accolades include the USA Artists Fellowship, the Lucille Lortel Award, the HOLA Award, and more. Her work uplifting marginalized communities, sharing often untold stories, and creating brilliant art captivates audiences worldwide.

During this event, Hudes will discuss the importance of telling and sharing often untold stories as a means of uplifting marginalized communities. Admission is free, no tickets are necessary, and seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Following her talk, a book signing will be offered. This event is cosponsored by the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA).

To learn more about Cultural Enhancement Series, please visit https://www.wku.edu/culturalenhancement/. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Dr. Anthony Harkins at anthony.harkins@wku.edu.