The Story of Tonight | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Story of Tonight

A run-down of the Hamilton/Pence controversy

12
The Story of Tonight

Everybody is probably aware by now about the whole debacle with Broadway musicalHamilton and Vice President-elect Mike Pence.

If not here is a short summary of what went down. Pence went to a Hamilton show Friday night in New York. He was booed by the crowd when he made his way to his seat, and Brandon Victor Dixon, the shows Aaron Burr, spoke after the show saying,

“We, sir — we — are 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,” he said. “We truly hope that this show has inspired you to uphold our American values and to work on behalf of all of us.”

Hamilton has always been keen on representing a diverse America by having cast members of different races. The very principle of the show even is the story of an immigrant, Alexander Hamilton who was born in the Caribbean and came to America where he helped found the country and became its first Secretary of Treasury. Pence’s presence at the show presented an ample opportunity for the cast to address the stigma against different races but most noticeably immigrants that was present during Trump’s election.

A day after the show, Trump tweeted about it and its post-show message. He attacked the musical and called the cast rude for intruding in the theater’s safe-space telling the cast that they needed to apologize for their actions.

Many have addressed that maybe Hamilton's so-called attack on Pence was inappropriate and that someone should be able to go into the theater and enjoy the art at-hand without having to worry about being personally called-out.

While that is understandable in some sense, the theater is also a place of artistic expression, and sometimes, if not always, it wants to challenge the audience to think differently. Hamilton does just that. It is a political story, and while the story can speak for itself as the show does in many cases as it emphasizes Hamilton as an immigrant with lines like, "immigrants, we get the job done" it also can take the opportunity to speak out when it needs to.

In this case the opportunity was Pence. He was a chance for the cast and creators of the show to give perspective to a challenger of Hamilton's very message that the world is wide enough for everybody.

Dixon told Broadway.com that the cast saw the oppotunity at hand and decided that they couldn't give up the chance to speak of the elephant in the room saying, ""These are the opportunities that you die for".

Creator of the show Lin-Manuel Miranda also tipped his hat off to the crew for what they did.

Politics are messy and the people involved in them should always be prepared to deal with situations like this and keep a level-head when it comes to criticism. Trump hasn't really grasped that concept yet, but at least his VP has.

Pence went on FOX News on Sunday and when asked about the matter he said, "I did hear what was said from the stage and I can tell you I wasn't offended by what was said".

Pence went on to say that what the cast asked for was what Trump promised during Election night when he said, "Let's close the history books on the failures in Washington and let's open a new chapter of success and prosperity for all of our people. We have a divided nation, a seriously divided nation. All of our people -- that is how we will truly make America great again."

Whether what Trump says is an empty promise or not I give my gratitude to both the cast of Hamilton for making their voices heard loud and clear and making their show important in more matters than one and to Pence for being mature and professional about the critique given to his party. Now if only Donald would learn from this that matters can be handled without Twitter.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Relationships

The Unwritten Rules Of "Talking"

What is "talking?" How does one "talk?"

8152
girl holding phone
NYCPRGIRLS

Now that it seems “talking” is the new way to date, and will stay that way until another idiotic term is used to describe the people who can’t settle down and just date someone, I feel as if it’s time to go over the unwritten rules of “talking.”

Rule 1. Having feeling without feeling.

Keep Reading...Show less
The Stages of Having FOMO in College
iamthatgirl.com

Are you one of those people that gets super upset when you miss out on anything? Well, you may have FOMO, or fear of missing out. In college it’s not hard to experience FOMO every once in a while. You just love doing everything and anything, so hen you have to miss out on something it's the worst possible thing in your mind. Whether you’re sick, have to work, or have so much work to do you could cry – FOMO will hit you hard in college.

Keep Reading...Show less
Vivien Leigh
Revelist

I've lived a whole 21 years with an RBF (Resting Bitch Face), so naturally, I go through most of these struggles on a daily basis.

And before you ask, yes I'm fine. No, I'm not mad. This is just my face, so take it or leave it! To those of you who have been #blessed with an RBF, you'll probably relate to these more than you'd like to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Iconic Duos: Timeless Legends

From Luke and Leia to Beyonce's twins...

774966
Luke and Leia from Star Wars, a iconic duo
Lucasfilm

“Name a more iconic duo... I'll wait." OK, well, if you insist. In no particular order, here's a list of 100 iconic duos that seem to be timeless.

SEE MORE: This Is The ICONIC Disney Sidekick You Are To Your BFF, According To Your Zodiac Sign

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

A Candid Letter to My Best Friends Ex

Because this is the real form of torture you deserve.

2398
middle finger
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash

What's up Asshat,

I've composed a list of things that I wish upon you, and they're harsh and cruel. These things are things that I wouldn't wish upon my worst of enemies, not even that Starbuck's barista who always screws up my order, not even him. You fall into a whole other category of hate. You surpass Starbucks barista. Congratulations, I'm actually a pretty nice person, making you worthy of every single bit of torture I wish upon you. What are these things I wish upon you you might ask?

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments