"Hamilton and Me: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power of Diversity in the Arts"

 

 

"Hamilton and Me: A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Power of Diversity in the Arts"

Hamilton and Me: An Actor’s Journal by Giles Terera is now available in the U.S. edition, published by Theatre Communications Group (TCG). The book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the journey of Giles Terera, who won the Olivier Award for Best Actor in a Musical for his portrayal of Aaron Burr in the West End production of Hamilton.

Terera's journal captures the process of creating his award-winning performance, from his first audition in New York to the show's extensive research and preparation, intense rehearsals, previews, and finally opening night. The book includes exclusive photographs and a foreword by Lin-Manuel Miranda.

"One of the most joyous and clear-eyed approaches to playing a character that I have ever read… I am so grateful Giles took notes on his process and turned them into this book. I was already in awe of his performance; now I’m in awe of his humanity and attention to detail and willingness to share the hard work and magic that goes into it," Miranda wrote in his foreword.

Miranda, the creator of Hamilton, has been a vocal advocate for diversity and inclusion in the arts. "Our job as artists is to tell the truth, to look at the world around us and see it in all its complexity, and to reflect that back to audiences. And the truth is, our world is diverse, and our storytelling should reflect that," Miranda said in a 2016 interview with The Guardian.

He has also spoken about the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented voices in the industry. "The theatre is a civic space, and it should reflect the world we live in. We should be opening doors for all voices to be heard, and we should be creating opportunities for artists from all backgrounds to tell their stories," Miranda said in a 2017 interview with The New York Times.

Hamilton has become a cultural phenomenon, grossing over $1 billion worldwide since its premiere in 2015. The show's success is a testament to the power of diverse storytelling and representation in the arts.

Giles Terera's Hamilton and Me offers a unique perspective on the musical's impact, showcasing the hard work, dedication, and humanity that went into creating one of the most groundbreaking shows of our time.