Cover Hamilton stops in the Philippines for its first international tour (Photo: Daniel Boud)
Hamilton stops in the Philippines for its first international tour (Photo: Daniel Boud)
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In an intimate press gathering, the cast of Hamilton ponders on the play's appeal among Filipino audiences
Off the bat, the announcement of Hamilton’s Philippine premiere sparked conversations among local theatre fans—while most people received the news with open arms, others were skeptical of its impact and how it would resonate with audiences in a different cultural context.
The cast attempts to make sense of this in a dialogue with the press. In this article, Tatler tells you what Jason Arrow (Alexander Hamilton), Akina Edmonds (Angelica Schuyler), Darnell Abraham (George Washington), and DeAundre’ Woods (Aaron Burr) think about the play, its Filipino audiences, and how Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work can “start conversations.”
In case you missed it: Critically acclaimed musical ‘Hamilton’ arrives on Philippine shores
“What I can say so far is that the people are incredible, making sure we are accommodated. . .I am honoured to be able to be of service and it is really cool that our work will serve the people who made us feel so welcomed,” Akina Edmonds says.
Darnell Abraham, for his part, says that he looks forward to more weeks of rehearsals and performances in the Philippines. “I am just inspired by the resiliency found here in the Philippines. the history we will be able to share this history that is not only unique to the United States, but is also unique here in this country.”
More from Tatler: 'Hamilton' musical comes to Manila this September for its Asian premiere
DeAundre’ Woods, who had gone to Intramuros, Manila during his first visit, shares how he immediately fell in love with Filipinos and how he thinks the latter can relate to the play. “Asian culture is all about family and community; it’s always about the whole and not the individual and I think that is very evident in the show because we are asked to speak to each other and not just to Hamilton,” he shares.
The Filipino Audience
Lead star, Jason Arrow, observed the difference between audiences in the Philippines and on Broadway. “I am struck by how welcoming this country is,” he reveals. “[The Filipinos are] super polite. It’s been incredible and I look forward to seeing more.”
Broadway star Rachelle Ann Go, being Filipina, understands this culture. “The Filipinos are very polite; backstage, someone will ask ‘are they enjoying it?’ and I have to tell them that we always have to wait until the end of a number to give applause,” she says.
She reminds fans, “It's hiphop, it’s rap, so you can sing and jam with us.”
Asian Context
One of the biggest contentions about the play is how its message will be disseminated across Asian countries, especially those who arguably suffer from imperialism. “[There’s the] transcendency of the work, where the story, you can take it and perform it in a variety of audience. I had the opportunity to perform it in Canada and it’s all the same,” says Abraham. “We're all able to connect and appreciate the importance of representation.”
Abraham tells skeptics: come and see the show first. “It is too easy to sit and fold your arms and say ‘no,’ I think it takes a great deal of courage to get out of your comfort zone and have the conversation that we are having today.”
Edmonds explains that at its core, Hamilton is about human spirit and flaws. “The beauty of Hamilton is that it is so universal; it is about coming from messy places and being able to do something about that,” she discloses.
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Jove holds a degree in Journalism and is currently pursuing graduate studies in Philosophy at the University of the Philippines–Diliman. She has flair for in-depth, interview-driven stories that explore politics and culture, shaped by her background in national broadsheets.
When she’s not on assignment, Jove spends her days painting, sipping lemonade, and walking her dog, Jupiter. She can often be seen in Escolta with a film camera in hand, browsing novelty shops in search of rare memorabilia. For leads, reach her at Jove@tatlerphilippines.com.
