Filipino-American sound designer and composer Fabian Obispo made history on May 4, 2025, at the 40th Lucille Lortel Awards, becoming the first Asian American ever to win Outstanding Sound Design. He received the honor for his work on Sumo, a production written by Lisa Sanaye Dring and directed by Ralph B. Peña.
Obispo’s second Lucille Lortel nomination and first win is a landmark achievement, not only in his career but also in the broader narrative of representation in American theater. His career has consistently drawn from his Filipino heritage, blending traditional sounds with contemporary techniques to create soundscapes that are emotionally powerful and culturally resonant.
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Sumo which received a total of five Lucille Lortel nominations, explores masculinity, identity, and ambition in the world of sumo wrestling. Co-produced by Ma-Yi Theater Company and La Jolla Playhouse, it provided the perfect canvas for Obispo’s innovative work. His sound design added texture and depth to the production, immersing the audience in a world shaped by tradition and discipline.
Obispo’s historic win places him alongside other nominees in the Outstanding Sound Design category, including Nick Kourtides for Travels, Matt Otto for All of Me, Matt Otto for Medea: Re-Versed, and Ryan Rumery and Florian Staab for Beckett Briefs: From the Cradle to the Grave.
The Lucille Lortel Awards, established in 1986, are presented by the Off-Broadway League and Lucille Lortel Theatre, honoring excellence in Off-Broadway theater. These awards celebrate the diverse voices and innovative productions that make up New York’s vibrant Off-Broadway scene. The 2025 ceremony took place at NYU Skirball and was hosted by a star-studded lineup, including Kandi Burruss, Lea DeLaria, and Maya Hawke.
Other notable winners from the night included Sarin Monae West, who won Outstanding Lead Performer in a Musical for her role in Medea: Re-Versed, and Michael Rishawn, who won Outstanding Featured Performer in a Play for his performance in Table 17. Additionally, Vanya, co-created and performed by Andrew Scott, was awarded Outstanding Solo Show.
Obispo’s win is particularly significant for the Filipino community, as his work has long been a proud representation of Filipino culture and experiences in the theater world. His past projects, like the musical Felix Starro—the first off-Broadway musical created by Filipino-Americans—highlight the importance of sharing stories that reflect Filipino identity and the challenges of the diaspora. His compositions and sound designs continue to carve out space for Filipino voices in American theater.
Beyond the stage, Obispo’s choral compositions have been performed around the world, from Lincoln Center to Tchaikovsky Hall in Russia. His work has earned numerous international awards, and his music is published in countries like Sweden and Germany.
Obispo’s career has taken him to prestigious residencies, including the Rockefeller Foundation Bellagio Center in Italy and Sundance Theatre Lab. His recognition at the Lucille Lortel Awards is not just a professional achievement; it is a powerful reminder of the importance of cultural representation in the arts.
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