The Revolutionary Rhetoric of Hamilton

The Revolutionary Rhetoric of Hamilton examines how the musical challenges traditional conceptions of American history, racial equity, and political power, and explores how it offers social commentary on issues such as immigration and gender equity. It employs multiple theoretical approaches and perspectives to reveal new insights about the show, making it useful for scholars of theatre studies, media studies, and communication studies.

Format: Hardback
Length: 236 pages
Publication date: 15 September 2022
Publisher: Lexington Books

The Revolutionary Rhetoric of Hamilton delves into profound examinations of traditional perspectives on the musical, American history, and contemporary political debates. This scholarly exploration of Hamilton invites audiences to reexamine this widely celebrated cultural phenomenon through the lens of revealing that the musical challenges prevailing notions of American history, racial equality, and political power. Within this volume, several chapters directly address recent controversies and discussions surrounding Hamilton, including the #CancelHamilton trend on social media, the musical's portrayal of slavery, and its intersections with the Black Lives Matter movement. Contributors delve into the ways in which the musical serves as a powerful social commentary on topics such as immigration and gender equity, as well as how it reimagines the roles of theatre in making impactful social statements, particularly concerning the narrator, the role of the curtain speech, and musical traditions. Chapters within the book employ a diverse range of novel theoretical approaches and perspectives, including public memory, feminist rhetorical criticism, disability studies, and sound studies, to uncover fresh insights about this beloved show. This book holds immense value for scholars in the fields of theatre studies, media studies, and communication studies.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781666914443