Understanding
Hamilton’s play was written by Ron Chernow, who was inspired by the progression of Hamilton’s life from poverty to wealth. The main origin of the play point to Hamilton’s childhood life, where he was born in Charlestown to a woman who had been prohibited from remarrying following a court order after her divorce. Hamilton’s childhood was honed with poverty before he moved to New York to study. From school, Hamilton joined the army and participated in the American Civil War before serving as Washington’s aide. Hamilton’s struggle to ascend to power motivates the composer to write about the play, aiming to express the need to leave a legacy in society.
Effectiveness
Performance Aspects
Acting
The relationship between all art elements in theatre is visible, and viewers can enjoy the show. The historical image during the acting and the presentation of characters is very evident. Facial expressions throughout the play show real emotions and capture all of the actual character’s feelings. For example, when the dancers are being used as soldiers and keep moving, the props bring the experience alive, and viewers can engage with the scenes.
Singing
The leading art in Hamilton’s movie is the art of music and the integration of singing art in expressing historical moments. Since the first song, Alexander Hamilton, introduces the main character, the flow of music in all scenes is presented artistically. For example, Aaron Burr, the infamous jealous character, gets many solos that build up his character in the movie. Mixing different genres of singing was very creative and impressive.
Dancing
The overall characteristic of the dance presented in Hamilton is intricate and ceremonial. For instance, during the ‘satisfied’ scene, where the actors dance about unity, they move their bodies marvelously, celebrating the unison among them. During this scene, the actors and actresses embrace body, action, space, and energy to make their dance appear ceremonial. Their actions change from simple and slow to fast and complex as they try to portray the joyous mood of unity.
Directing
The directing of the play reflects the creativity and proper communication during the filmmaking process. The creativity of the director is depicted when the actors are on the stage and start singing about unity. Additionally, it shows proper communication based on instructions as the actors’ movements correlate with the song in the background. Generally, this smooth movement creates a fluid continuity of the play.
Visual Design Aspects
Scenic Design
Hamilton’s producer tries to align the atmosphere with the mood surrounding the scenes. In the ‘satisfied’ scene, the producer sets the performers on a stage that flickers in blue and warm lights. Additionally, this scene occurs on a stage that reflects objects and people standing on it. This reflection stresses the message of unity as the flickering lights become more apparent to the viewing audience.
Costume Design
The costume forms an integral part of designs as it helps the producers tell a historical story. The boots and jackets used are very similar to those of American colonists. The dark dresses with corsets accurately represent the American colonist period. Binge-colored uniforms presented Hamilton as a poor child who came from nothing and became successful. Conclusively, the turning of the court to green indicates the success in wealth that Hamilton had gained even after all the struggles.
Lighting Design
Something different about the Hamilton play lighting is its innovative use as props. In contemporary theatre, the Hamilton movie lighting is very advanced and unmatched. Scenes such as the night moon and a hurricane are complimented by the lighting system showing the genius levels of the lighting producers. The lighting is apparent; all the characters on the stage are visible, and viewers can see all angles.
Value
Function of the Arts
Through watching Hamilton, viewers can appreciate various things currently pressing the world. Hamilton, as an example, plays a significant role in society’s collective memory. The take and what to memorize is not the struggles that Hamilton went through but the success of his hard work. From a reflective point of view, the Hamilton case presents the lives of current young people and the struggles they are going through. It creates a sense of appreciation for the efforts in America but shows there is hope. Thus, Hamilton’s movie is an excellent piece presenting people’s past, present, and future and the message that things will get better.
Social Commentary
There is a social and cultural purpose to the Hamilton Movie. The main agenda that captures most viewers is migration. Currently, some people have different opinions on migration and create various feelings. However, Hamilton migrated to the United States with nothing but managed to be wealthy by fighting for America’s independence. Despite the struggles all migrants go through, they can succeed in America and join forces in protecting what Americans believe in. There is the social vibe of people being one and acknowledging that the American dream can come true.
The rate of immigration in the US has soared steeply as people try to accomplish the American dream. However, the high rate of immigration has been stalled by problems such as difficulty in securing work, housing, and even finding schools for children. Hamilton migrated from the Caribbean to the US but spent much time looking for a school that would accept him. Today, immigrant children are being denied admission letters due to disparities in their original nationalities. Consequently, the lack of education has rendered most of the newcomers jobless. Additionally, the lack of jobs and adequate sources of income has resulted in a ripple effect where these individuals also lack proper housing facilities.
The Artifact, Educational, and History Function of Musical Theater
Artifact
An artifact is an object that constitutes historical and cultural value in society. Hamilton’s play satisfies the requirements of an artifact as it portrays various historical happenings, including immigration during the Civil War era, the US independence, and even the military roles during international wars. In the play, Hamilton is vested in field battles more than the sedentary aide’s role that he is offered by George Washington. His interest in field wars depicts that most military services fought with passion rather than coercion. Besides historical value, the play serves as a cultural artifact as it shows people with diverse traditions can exert success in foreign lands. Hamilton originated from the Caribbean, but he succeeded in the American land.
Education
The movie’s themes revolve around the American Revolution’s struggles, hope, and success. It is an educative spectrum of how people’s art can be used in different forms. Educators and viewers can use Hamilton’s characteristics to learn something about the history of America and the future that people deserve. The musical shows how history can be described using current trends and styles, such as the use of hip-hop, to describe events that happened way before independence.
History
Most people find history boring and do not have a way to relate to it. Even though people know some American history, finding the whole story’s significance and the idea is not necessarily grabbed through reading. For this reason, art can be used on different occasions to present some facets of history. Art can be creative, and it can manage to engage with diverse audiences to tell any part of human history. For example, very few people would have known the real scenarios and the events that happened to Hamilton, but with the help of music as an art, people can now sit and enjoy the story.