The story of Alexander Hamilton is one of triumph over adversity during a time of slavery. As one of the founding fathers of America, this story is set to a time when America was still a colony of Britain. The story of Hamilton originally biographed by historian Ron Chernow was later adapted into a Broadway musical by Lin Manuel Miranda which premiered in 2015.
Lin Manuel Miranda’s modern interpretation of the life of Hamilton through music heavily inspired from HipHop, R&B, soul and pop and a cast of diverse actors, has been a contemporary depiction described as “America then, as told by America now”.
In the Lin Manuel Miranda adaptation of Hamilton, it tells the story of Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant who manages to get into a prestigious college. It is then that he meets the man who is soon to become his nemesis Aaron burr and his other friends who are to join him in the fight against colonisation. We follow the journey of Hamilton’s life from youth to marriage his rise in politics as an immigrant in contrast to the story protagonist Aaron burr a scholar who also rises in politics but with shifting affiliations and convictions. Song by song we learn the events that occurred in both of their lives during the founding of America.
The show became a Broadway smash hit winning 11 Tony awards and nominations in several other categories. As it gained acclaim across the world and a huge fan base the show toured in theatres across the globe. If you didn’t get to see the show in theatres the first time or you would like to re-watch it with the original cast, Hamilton is coming to your to TV screen this July 3rd on Disney+
Now more than ever, the Hamilton story has never been more inspiring or relevant. At a time when youth need to stand up and fight for change in what they believe in be it climate change or racial and gender equality, the Hamilton story is a light on the power of youth to make a change.
Watch the trailer for Hamilton, coming to Disney+ on July 3rd.
Words by Precious Njoki
Graphics by Katie Janes
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