The power of Hamilton

Lin Manuel Miranda wrote and performed in what turned out to be a revolutionary work of musical theatre in Hamilton. You’d not have thought that a rap musical with people of colour playing the parts of America’s white founding fathers, with the central part being that of America’s first treasury secretary, would hit such a strong note.

But five years after its Broadway debut, its taken on a life of its own and become something greater than the sum of its parts. People who weren’t interested in musical theatre suddenly were. Young people who had no interest in history suddenly were. People who weren’t interested in rap music, again, suddenly were. It takes a unique piece of popular culture to bring together all ages, all backgrounds, and all various artistic interests to the one place.

Few theatrical experiences have had the kind of global impact that Hamilton has. Some take exception with its liberty with the historical facts, but it is not a documentary... it is a piece of entertainment that we might learn something from it is a bonus.

Those of us who have been in the theatre for any period of time knew from the outset what a remarkable piece of work Hamilton is. All of us are excited to see it when it eventually debuts in Sydney. Some of us have been privileged enough to have seen the work either on Broadway or in its other production in London’s West End, but at the same time it doesn’t come as much of a surprise to those of us in acting in theatre to know that’s something so good can have such an effect. We all know how important the arts are, how important the theatre is, and we know just what type of impact a work like this can have. But it shouldn’t just be relegated to the likes of Hamilton. All good theatre has the ability to bring people together. It has the ability to show what type of magic it brings when it’s at its best. It has the ability to educate, to entertain, to inform, to dazzle!

For some people, the first great theatrical experience they’ll have is Hamilton. That’s wonderful, but it doesn’t have to be this one particular musical that brings us all together. The theatre is filled throughout its history with great productions, great plays, great musicals and great experiences that all has the potential to enrich our lives and teach us a thing or two ... or more about ourselves and bring us the kind of joy few other experiences can bring. If the opportunity presents itself for you to be a part of this wonderful experience, you should launch yourself at it. There’s nothing quite like it.

Acting opens you to experiences you never thought you would have and aspects of yourself you never knew existed. Hamilton might have been the door that opened up the world... but there is a whole world out there.