In light of the "Hamilton" debacle with VP-elect Mike Pence over the weekend, I find myself perplexed. If I'm being completely honest, I'm down right agitated. Especially after I made the mistake of reading some of the comments on the articles about the event.
I have had the absolute pleasure of seeing "Hamilton" in New York on two occasions now. The first time I saw it, it was just ending its previews. I was absolutely blown away by everything in the show. There was not a single moment that I was pulled out of the show and remembered that I wasn't a part of the story unfolding before me.
The second time I saw it, many of the original cast members were about to perform their last shows and move on to their next projects. Despite seeing some understudies, I was STILL in awe when the curtain came down. The lady next to me even had to hand me a few tissues during the show. (I guess some people still know what common courtesy is, but you can read last week's post for more on that.)
I know that many people are unsure how to feel about this situation. Was this the right time for this statement? Was it the right place? In my opinion, hell yes. I absolutely stand by the "Hamilton" actors who addressed VP-elect Mike Pence. In a very brief, eloquent speech, they asked him to fight for ALL American's equality. They expressed their concerns - and if you can't tell your representatives your concerns, then who CAN you tell?
In his brief statement, Brandon Victor Dixon, who currently plays the role of Aaron Burr, said that he and the cast are part of “the diverse America who are alarmed and anxious that your new
administration will not protect us, our planet, our children, our
parents, or defend us and uphold our inalienable rights, sir. But we
truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values
and work on behalf of all of us... this wonderful American story told by a diverse group of men, women, colors, creeds, and orientations.”
In my opinion, an absolutely eloquent speech that addressed their concerns. As a white woman, I realize that I have many more rights than others. The fact that these actors would speak on behalf of minorities everywhere in America is absolutely moving to me. Shakespeare's "Hamlet" taught me that the job of an actor is "to hold as 'twere the mirror up to nature." If people don't like what they're seeing, they need to help change reality.
The fact that people would then think it is OK to go see "Hamilton" in Chicago and then heckle the actors - especially during the middle of their performance - is absolutely appalling to me. Are we really living in a world where it is OK to throw a tantrum as a grown adult?
Perhaps what bothered me the most was seeing the following comment several times:
"Dear Hollywood celebrities, You exist for my entertainment. Some of you are great eye candy. Some of you can deliver a line with such conviction that you bring tears to my eyes. Some of you can scare the crap out of me. Others make me laugh. But you all have one thing in common, you only have a place in my world to entertain me. That’s it.
You make your living pretending to be someone else. Playing dress up like a 6 year old. You live in a make believe world in front of a camera. And often when you are away from one too. Your entire existence depends on my patronage. I’ll crank the organ grinder; you dance. I don’t really care where you stand on issues. Honestly, your stance matters far less to me than that of my neighbor. You see, you aren’t real. I turn off my TV or shut down my computer and you cease to exist in my world. Once I am done with you, I can put you back in your little box until I want you to entertain me again. I don’t care that you don't like Mr.Trump. But I bet you looked cute saying it. Get back into your bubble.
I’ll let you know when I’m in the mood for something blue and shiny. And I'm also supposed to care that you will leave this great country if Trump becomes president? Ha. Please don't forget to close the door behind you. We'd like to reserve your seat for someone who loves this country and really wants to be here. Make me laugh, or cry. Scare me. But realize that the only words of yours that matter are scripted. I might agree with some of you from time to time, but it doesn’t matter. In my world, you exist solely for my entertainment. So, shut your pie hole and dance."
I don't know where this comment originated - and I have seen several variations of it - but I am left feeling absolutely shocked. How dare you think of anyone as an object? Seriously? Actors are here just to entertain you? I've got news for you - they are human beings just like you and me. They work for a living. And you know what else? They are some of the people we look up to most - even from childhood.
And subsequently - if you can turn your TV off and pretend they no longer exist - can't you do the same at the theater? This speech was made AFTER the show. You don't want to listen to it? Then you can absolutely leave!
If you haven't had a chance to watch the speech or read it, please check out Playbill's article here.
