Dueling Grounds: Revolution and Revelation in the Musical Hamilton

Hamilton, a Broadway musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda, was adapted from Ron Chernow's biography Alexander Hamilton. It explores the life of Hamilton and the issues he confronted, commenting on contemporary life in the United States and how we view our nation's history. The show combines the work of theater scholars, musicologists, and scholars in various fields to examine its uses of liminality, casting philosophy, dance and movement, costuming, staging, direction, lyrics, music, marketing, and how aspects of race, gender, and class fit into the show and its production.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 256 pages
\n Publication date: 30 September 2021
\n Publisher: Oxford University Press Inc
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Hamilton, a Broadway musical that debuted in 2015, swiftly gained immense popularity and emerged as one of the most sought-after tickets in the industry's history. Lin-Manuel Miranda, the visionary behind the show, adapted it from Ron Chernow's biography, Alexander Hamilton. Despite its unconventional origins, Miranda discovered a unique space where Hamilton's life and the challenges he faced resonated over two centuries later, while also offering commentary on contemporary American society and our perception of our nation's history. With a predominantly rap-based score and a bold approach to casting actors of color in the roles of the white Founding Fathers, Hamilton addresses critical issues related to race in both the present and past. While it provides valuable insights, certain aspects remain inadequately explained, such as the roles of women and people of color during Hamilton's time.

Dueling Grounds: Revolution and Revelation in the Musical Hamilton is a comprehensive volume that brings together the expertise of theater scholars, musicologists, and scholars from various fields, including ethnomusicology, history, gender studies, and economics. It employs a multi-faceted approach to examine the show's utilization of liminality, exploring its creation, casting philosophy, dance and movement, costuming, staging, direction, lyrics, music, marketing, and how aspects of race, gender, and class are incorporated into the production. Demonstrating both the achievements and challenges of Hamilton, Dueling Grounds offers an uncompromising examination of one of the most significant musicals of the 21st century.

The musical's success can be attributed to its innovative blend of musical styles, including hip-hop, pop, R&B, soul, traditional-style show tunes, and color-conscious casting. Miranda's exceptional writing and composition skills, combined with his ability to seamlessly integrate historical facts into the narrative, have captivated audiences worldwide. The show's themes of ambition, perseverance, and the American Dream have resonated with people of all backgrounds, making it a cultural phenomenon that has transcended boundaries and generations.

In addition to its musical prowess, Hamilton has also sparked significant discussions about race, history, and representation in the arts. Its portrayal of Founding Fathers like Alexander Hamilton, George Washington, and Thomas Jefferson as people of color has challenged traditional narratives and sparked conversations about the importance of diversity and inclusivity in theater and popular culture. The show's use of hip-hop and other contemporary musical styles has also contributed to its appeal to younger audiences, breaking down barriers and promoting cultural exchange.

However, Hamilton's success has also brought about challenges and controversies. Some critics have raised concerns about the historical accuracy of the show, particularly in its portrayal of certain characters and events. Others have criticized the show's focus on white male characters and the lack of representation for women and people of color in prominent roles. Despite these criticisms, Hamilton remains a powerful and influential work that continues to inspire and challenge audiences.

In conclusion, Hamilton's journey from a small-scale production to a global phenomenon is a testament to the power of art and storytelling. Its innovative blend of musical styles, compelling narrative, and thought-provoking themes have made it a cultural landmark that has transcended boundaries and generations. While it has sparked significant discussions about race, history, and representation, Hamilton remains a celebration of the human spirit and the American Dream. As we continue to navigate the complexities of our world, the musical's message of perseverance, ambition, and the pursuit of a better future remains as relevant as ever.

\n Weight: 434g\n
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 17 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780190938857\n \n