First thing’s first: the arts are important. In a world that praises sciences, technology, engineering, and mathematics, we tend to forget how fundamental the arts are. In fact, I would argue that we are instinctively dependent on the arts and their influence. Where would our world be without films and literature? They don’t just fulfill our entertainment needs, they provide explanations, explore new perspectives, and challenge us to think critically about the world. Now, I’m not writing this because I’m a sophisticated literature junkie that goes to book clubs weekly (I wish I was that cool). I don’t have the credentials to call myself an expert of the arts by any means. But, I am fully aware of how imperative it is to appreciate art when I see it. And that, is why I’m writing about the Broadway musical , "Hamilton".
This musical introduces the life of an immigrant from the Caribbean that comes over to create a better life for himself. This immigrant is also found on the 10-dollar American bill: Alexander Hamilton. Alexander Hamilton grows up first-handed seeing a violent slave trade, not having any money, not having any parents, and yet overcomes all of these obstacles and helps build a nation. His story is told by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the playwright.So, why is there continuous buzz about this musical, whether it be from your communications professor, your friend singing the soundtrack, or the new President- elect? It has created a reaction because it’s different. That’s what great art does, and whether you love it, or you hate it, it makes you feel something, and that’s powerful in itself.
There are two things that make this musical different: the first is the hip-hop and rap culture that prevails and is used to tell the story, and the second is the wonderfully diverse cast that play roles of our founding fathers, typically played as the white male characters that they were. In addition, Miranda uses his feminist approach to give the ladies a voice, and includes the Schuyler sisters, who are usually overshadowed by the men during the era. This all-encompassing musical connects the old America to the new America and while it shows our progression for over 200 years, it too recognizes some similar issues that are relevant in today’s world.
This musical gives the underrepresented people a voice. Because of this production, a young African American 14-year-old boy will pursue his dream and try out for any casting role. Because of this production, a Hispanic 18-year-old boy will tell his friends that history is cool because you can rap about it. Because of this production, an Asian American 10-year-old girl will believe her mom when she says she can change history. It is critical that this musical is a hip hop musical because it gives the story urgency and creative meaning that other music would not emphasize, while relating it to a genre of music that is so popular today. This musical stresses how essential diversity is in our nation, and that's why I'm with Hamilton.
