‘Hamilton’: a study guide

some context:

Hamilton (@ the Durham Performing Arts Center/in theatres)

you’ve heard about the show. as a former musical theatre major and enthusiast you were familiar with a few of the songs, the general premise— it’s all the rage in your circle. 

especially for Black actors. it was the musical we’d all been waiting for.

(read: jobs. employment.)

you liked In the Heights and yet, the music for Hamilton never really grasped you. 

(I blame the content)

but here you are. getting to see Hamilton in your hometown.

you walk up to the theatre thinking about the times you performed there during high school. that one dance rehearsal on the second level. 

the hole in the dressing room wall.

the red carpet.

the jail across the street.

you can’t help but notice the police presence outside the theatre. 

the k-9 unit.

(you start thinking about what you did before you got there and though it’s been hours, your palms get sticky)

you’ve been to this theatre before. you’ve performed here! but the metal detectors at the doors are a surprise.

as you help your parents remove keys and coins from their pockets, and place your bag in a bin, you can’t help but ask why.

the venue deflects, saying the increased police presence is at the request of the touring show.

and you,

being you,

elaborate that you find it odd. you’ve only seen these security measures taken when a show is intended to attract a diverse (read: nigger) audience.

but you understand that it is not something that the older Black lady patting you down can control.

and though you are shaking, 

(you are angry)

you thank her and make your way to your seat.

for your consideration:

1. parallels between light complexions and characters in positions of power

2. the role colorism plays in desirability

3. songs that seem to make sense for the person singing them (thinking about the content and context)

4. juxtaposition between Burr and Hamilton— how does the color dynamic affect your interpretation of the situation? (or does it at all?)

5. juxtaposition between Angelica and Eliza — would Angelica be as effective if she were more similar in appearance (lighter?) to Eliza?

6. if every character in this play were white (as they are in real life) would you still enjoy it?

final thoughts: 

at what point does the musical Hamilton become an exploitation of Black and Brown aesthetics in an effort to popularize and commercialize a white story? 

does this reality exist when the playwright and creator is Brown himself? 

is it possible for a Brown playwright to exploit his own narrative for commercial success?