Hello everyone! I took my spring break last week to travel to New York and see Fiddler On The Roof, Disaster, and most importantly for my project HAMILTON! It was quite a whirlwind of a trip and I spent the majority of my time walking around the theatre district and Times Square as I marveled at the light up marquees and munched on wonderful New York goodies (seriously I will never forget the pizza as long as I live). The day after I touched down in New York, my mother and I went to see Fiddler On The Roof and Hamilton, both in the same day. What is special about Fiddler is that it is musical theatre mother's milk. The music and lyrics touch such an emotional core it's impossible to get it out of your head for at least a week. It was my mother's first time seeing the show live so it was incredibly moving to see her react to the musical that spurred my love for musical theatre. Fiddler is as relevant today as it was 50+ years ago. People are still being expelled from their homes because of who they are, what they practice, or what their circumstances maybe. With so many people becoming refugees in our world and being turned away by the countries that should be protecting them, it is important to be telling their story in a way that reaches audiences who otherwise would pay no attention to this issue.
Next up was Hamilton. Simply seeing those doors and that marquee proudly displaying the Hamilton poster filled me with immense joy and excitement. When I stepped into the theatre and saw that stage for the first time, I started crying. I couldn't even believe that I was actually just moments away from seeing the show that defines all of my research. From the opening beat to the gentle final chord that fizzled out like a candle being gently snuffed, I was completely hooked. Once I left the show and finally recovered from the emotional rollercoaster I had just completed, it began to dawn on me why this show defined my research. I identified with every single person on that stage: Black, White, Asian, Hispanic. Race did not define anyone on that stage. They were actual people with hopes and dreams and fears and regrets and that could not have made me happier.
Next up was Hamilton. Simply seeing those doors and that marquee proudly displaying the Hamilton poster filled me with immense joy and excitement. When I stepped into the theatre and saw that stage for the first time, I started crying. I couldn't even believe that I was actually just moments away from seeing the show that defines all of my research. From the opening beat to the gentle final chord that fizzled out like a candle being gently snuffed, I was completely hooked. Once I left the show and finally recovered from the emotional rollercoaster I had just completed, it began to dawn on me why this show defined my research. I identified with every single person on that stage: Black, White, Asian, Hispanic. Race did not define anyone on that stage. They were actual people with hopes and dreams and fears and regrets and that could not have made me happier.
Sounds like an amazing experience, especially considering all of your other research!
ReplyDeleteSeeing Hamilton after learning so much about the play must have been a great experience!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad the past few weeks of SRP culminated in you getting such an unforgettable experience. Do you plan on going back to New York again any time soon to see more productions?
ReplyDeleteVaibu, you have to post all of the pictures you showed me! I know everyone would love to see the photos you took.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the next step in your research, you are getting close to the finale!