Bringing the show’s consciousness off the stage, the Hamilton International Cast gives us their take on history, power, and inclusivity in a MEGA Entertainment exclusive
Watching Hamilton for its surface entertainment value is a primarily acceptable way of seeing it, but it would be remiss not to see it as a form of protest. A cast of diverse individuals, a track list of mixed hip-hop and jazz tunes, a deep dive on the decisions of America’s historical men—the list goes on. It is one thing if this realization comes from the spectators, but to hear this introspection from the International Tour cast instantly intensifies the meaning of the show to those on stage, and the ones watching them.
Does diversity really come with inclusivity? What does intimacy mean in the world of theater? MEGA Entertainment sat down with Darnell Abraham, Akina Edmonds, and DeAundre’ Woods, the principal cast members who play George Washington, Angelica Schuyler, and Aaron Burr, respectively, to answer these questions. But more importantly, we delved deeper on what makes Hamilton a personal, political, and communal experience.
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The room where intimacy happens
At the time of the interview, the Manila run had almost gone into its second month. Eight shows a week were natural for the cast and crew involved at this point. If we had our own notes to their runs, the actors also had something to say about their Filipino audience. “I think they’re very polite. And you know, it’s something that we need to get used to, understand, and appreciate, actually,” Akina remarked.
Filipinos, in a way, were also testing the waters on entering theaters once again. Apart from the pandemic that wrote a new chapter of overall unfamiliarity for all, art is a privilege in the country. While theater tells the story of all, not everyone could afford to witness such productions.
“There’s sacredness,” Darnell chimed in. “No one wants to disturb the waters. I think that’s such a beautiful thing. It feels like it’s been transformed into a living room. It is more intimate, you feel like everyone is there, and we’re all taking this collective breath together. And I think that is really special. I’ve never experienced that with the many, many audiences that I’ve performed for.”
For DeAundre’, the country’s reaction was a reminder for him of their responsibility on stage, one that goes beyond receiving applause. “For the actor, [this] reminds you [that] we are here to entertain, right? But we’re really here to educate as well.”
“Here we are telling a story about a country that fought for its independence, and I think the Philippines also shares in that story, too. It’s a story of humanity,” Darnell added.
The eyes of history on us
His response was a reminder that the MEGA team, by some fateful coincidence, watched Hamilton on September 21. It was a day of declaration that Filipinos dare not forgive, and more importantly, not forget. As the cast continued the conversation on diversity and history in the context of the show, Abraham expounded on the gravity of a material like Lin-Manuel Miranda’s work. “To be in a show that has really changed the rules of engagement, and by its very own existence, [challenged] the industry—I think it just gives more weight to why it’s necessary if we are to survive as species.”
For Akina, on the other hand, playing Angelica paved the way for a self-check on her stance in politics of personal experience. “This show has educated me on American history and talking about social politics. What the show has definitely asked me to do is check my own values within social politics.”
“I didn’t really know American history until I did Hamilton,” DeAundre’ answered with all honesty. “It allowed me to put myself in the story and not just read about these men, but to also have empathy for what they did. Not all had [the] best intentions, but it kind of gives me a different perspective of what it was like to be in that time, and how we use our lives now. When someone [tells] our stories, hopefully, they can have some joy and some light in there.”
The people who tell our stories
As we zoom in on the craft, we realize that personal narratives shape the communal aspect of theater. Taking the show’s track in essence, the world can be wide enough for each individual who wants to change and be changed by the art form.
Looking back on their journey as performers, the cast shared the valuable lessons that they learned along the way of being on stage. “Live theater is thrilling and so nerve wracking, but leaning into the process is the key. [Be okay] with failing, and understand the magic that is failure,” Akina pointed out.
For Darnell, “[Lean] into the community. I think for me, personally, that’s also where I find my humanity. And that centers me, so that I can do the work onstage.”
“It’s just to tell the truth,” DeAundre’ began with his response. “I think, a lot of times, the truth can be misconstrued or you can make it what you want it to be. But I’ve leaned on that on days when I’m not feeling it, to just go up there and be honest with myself, with the work.”
The story of Hamilton in Manila
As the interview wrapped up, the actors did not miss the chance to show their gratitude for their Manila fans. “Thank you for saving up. Thank you for waiting. Thank you for being so patient and so generous with your receiving us,” Akina remarked.
Starting his message by playfully singing a snippet of “Raining in Manila,” DeAundre’ continued, “I am loving your culture. Thank you for reminding us why we do this. Keep coming out. Keep the art alive. This is one vessel. Hopefully, one way, you’ll be out there like [Rachelle Ann Go].”
“Thank you for the gift of what is Filipino and allowing us to celebrate that and to be amongst you all, not as mere entertainers, but as brothers and sisters,” Darnell said with gratitude, concluding the interview.
Photography JHARWIN CASTAÑEDA
Creative Direction BRIE VENTURA
Art Direction ANDREW ENCAPAS
Beauty and Grooming Direction MARA GO
Fashion Direction SEAN CASTELO and CHLARINE GIANAN
Styling RYUJI SHIOMITSU, assisted by MIGUEL QUILANG and KURT ABONAL
Makeup JOEL RULL, SHEENA DE CHAVEZ, and CHARLOTTE JUSTIANI from ESTÉE LAUDER
Hair PATTY CRISTOBAL
Sittings Editor PEACHES GARCIA
Shoot Coordination MELISSA TAN and PEACHES GARCIA
Special thanks to GMG PRODUCTIONS
