This is a PEN America member exclusive webinar with Catherine FILLOUX (ACC 2000), award-winning French Algerian American playwright and librettist who has been writing about human rights for thirty years. With a deep commitment to craft and changemaking, her Cambodia-America rock opera Where Elephants Weep follows the story of Sam, a refugee from the Khmer Rouge genocide who is committeed to finding his roots in his native culture. 2025 marks fifty years since the Khmer Rouge regime began its devastating rule, making this conversation both timely and essential.

Filloux will be joined by her collaborators on Where Elephants Weep, renowned composer HIMSophy (ACC 2001) and performer and policy analyst Amara Goel, for an enriching discussion on creating art across cultures. The conversation will be moderated by Executive Director of the Artists at Risk Connection Julie Trébault. An audience Q&A will follow.