How to Rob the Art Institute of Chicago

by Sam Hernandez

On a cold Chicago night, four friends debate a serious question: Is stealing Indigenous art of Latin America a radical act of decolonization or a stupid way to get arrested? And also - is being Latine-American enough to claim a connection to that art? And what does it even mean to be Latine-American? And how does one rob a museum? In How to Rob The Art Institute of Chicago, Sam Hernandez's comedy about...

On a cold Chicago night, four friends debate a serious question: Is stealing Indigenous art of Latin America a radical act of decolonization or a stupid way to get arrested? And also - is being Latine-American enough to claim a connection to that art? And what does it even mean to be Latine-American? And how does one rob a museum? In How to Rob The Art Institute of Chicago, Sam Hernandez's comedy about friendship, identity, and colonialism, four college seniors plan the most important heist of their lives.

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How to Rob the Art Institute of Chicago

Recommended by

  • Erin Lekovic: How to Rob the Art Institute of Chicago by Sam Hernandez
    “

    I saw a reading of this great new play at the Powerstories 2026 Voices of Women Festival. I loved how this play tackled the question of "who does art belong to?" with humor, nuance, heart, and urgency.

    I saw a reading of this great new play at the Powerstories 2026 Voices of Women Festival. I loved how this play tackled the question of "who does art belong to?" with humor, nuance, heart, and urgency.

    ”
  • Powerstories Theatre: How to Rob the Art Institute of Chicago by Sam Hernandez
    “

    Powerstories Theatre congratulates Sam Hernandez for being a winner of the 2026 Voices of Women Festival. Our committee loved the humor, honesty, and incisiveness the script offered in its examination of young people trying to figure out what meaningful protest is, what identity(s) they feel they can claim, and also just what are they going to do after college.

    Powerstories Theatre congratulates Sam Hernandez for being a winner of the 2026 Voices of Women Festival. Our committee loved the humor, honesty, and incisiveness the script offered in its examination of young people trying to figure out what meaningful protest is, what identity(s) they feel they can claim, and also just what are they going to do after college.

    ”

Character Information

Cast Requires 4 Latine identifying actors and 1 white actor.
  • Emiliana
    Latine, College Senior, Communications Major, recently visited the Art Institute and decided she wants to rob it. Passionate and head-strong. The instigator of this whole affair. Once she sets her mind on something, nothing really stands in her way.
    21-22
    Latino
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Vicky
    Latine, College Senior, Software Engineer, an attempted voice of reason throughout this whole affair. Extremely practical, thinks things through all the way. Tough exterior and hides a lot of her internal conflicts very well.
    21-22
    Latino
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Luis
    Latine, College Senior, English Major, aspiring writer. Could be convinced to help with the robbing. Open minded and well read, kind-hearted and genuine, he doesn’t take himself too seriously.
    21-22
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Jose
    Latine, College Senior with the credits of a Sophomore, Art Major, 100% down to rob the museum. Sensitive but strong willed. Stands up for what he thinks is right no matter the consequences.
    21-22
    Latino
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man
  • Elijah
    White, College Senior, Art Major, Emiliana’s roommate and best friend. Strongly against robbing. The kind of white guy who can’t really fully process colonization and the infinite ways it still affects society. Good intentions, immense ignorance.
    21-22
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, Adams Theatre Company, 2026
  • Workshop, Northwestern University, 2025

Awards

  • Agnes Nixon Playwriting Award
    Northwestern Theatre Department
    Winner
    2025