Two Belizean graduate students at Austin Peay State University are channeling their nation’s profound historical trauma into a powerful theatrical production. Cameron Tillett and Alysia Norales have undertaken the monumental task of transforming the tragic story of Nora Parham—Belize’s first and only executed woman—into an original musical theater piece.
The production represents years of meticulous research and creative development, with Tillett having conceptualized the project for over five years before formally committing to paper. The musical delves into the heartbreaking case of a mother wrongfully convicted and hanged decades ago, a story that remains etched in Belize’s collective memory.
Artistically, the production promises an authentic cultural experience by incorporating traditional Belizean musical styles including bruk down and punta, while simultaneously integrating contemporary theatrical elements. This fusion creates a unique soundscape that honors Belize’s cultural heritage while appealing to modern audiences.
The creators have received notable recognition from their university’s theater faculty, particularly impressive given their lack of formal theater experience. However, as international students facing funding challenges due to work restrictions, Tillett and Norales have established a dedicated email (themusicalnora@gmail.com) to solicit donations for production costs, props, and staging requirements.
The upcoming university festival will serve as the production’s debut platform, with campus auditions scheduled for next week. Ultimately, the artists aspire to bring their culturally significant work back to Belize, sharing this important historical reckoning with their homeland audience.