TW: racism, anti-Blackness, homophobia, transphobia
As a long time fan of Hamilton, I think it is time that we as a fandom hold Hamilton accountable. It is time to educate ourselves about what it is like behind the scenes, listen to the stories of cast members, and hold the production accountable for the toxic environment it perpetuates. There have been a lot of stores coming out recently that speak on this and I implore everyone to read and to watch and to listen.
Dan Belnavis’s op-Ed regarding heterosexism and racism in within management of Hamilton: https://aninjusticemag.com/the-unraveling-of-a-dream-6824c652c013?gi=ef4764c99fd8
Suni Reid’s Instagram live regarding same, across multiple companies: https://instagram.com/tv/CMctEhGFHzi/
Charnette Batey’s Instagram live regarding colorism and anti-Blackness at Hamilton: https://www.instagram.com/tv/CC9EMnhJ53t/?igshid=xgsa4ffcbn7f
This is a lot to get through, but the “highlights” include:
- Black actors being told by white choreographers to be “more urban” and “more Black”
- Black actors being told by white choreographers to be “proud slaves” and then silenced when they protested.
- The HamChi cast, itself predominately Black, being called a “disease” by a Hamilton creative.
- Queer actors being told to preform stereotypical Black masculinity, being belittled for being more feminine presenting.
- White choreographers and music directors having no cultural touchstones for Black and BIPOC music, but attempting to teach them how to rap anyway.
- General homophobia directed at queer actors, especially Black queer actors, by management and castmates.
- Transphobic assault on a non-binary actor by a castmate, and management not addressing it.
- Lack of Black stylists in the hair and makeup department. Lack of Black music directors. Lack of Black choreographers. Lack of Black stage managers. Management that is almost exclusively cis white men.
Educate yourselves. Feel free to continue enjoying Hamilton, but don’t let these experiences be swept under the rug.