Sunday, October 11, 2009
"Let the Sun Shine In": Hair Tribe Attends National Equality March Oct. 11
Playbill News: "The cast of the Tony Award-winning revival of Hair takes a day off from their Broadway 'be in' at the Al Hirschfeld Theatre to participate in the National Equality March in Washington, D.C. on Oct. 11."
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8 comments:
I've been watching the Rally and HAIR just performed "Let the Sunshine In" about 20 minutes ago or so. I think the fact that the entire cast picked up and traveled to the Rally is a strong statement of their support for the LGBTQ community and for "full equality in all matters governed by civil law for all our people", as just noted by former Representative Michael Huffington. Our industry certainly does seem to have above-average numbers of GLBT people, and it is often a subject of ridicule among society at large. I am very proud that the cast of HAIR, regardless of orientation, made a stand against this discrimination by demonstrating in the capitol.
I think that the cast of "Hair" sent a great message by going to the Rally and performing. I just got back from Washington where I marched and went to the rally. The whole rally was pretty amazing, with all of the speakers/performers, and the attendance was also great. (Now only if the politicians in DC would listen...)
This is so cool!!! To just reinstate everything that was already said, it's really reassuring to hear that some of the most influential Broadway actors and actresses are taking a stand, and using their positions in the industry to fight for equality. It all goes back to being acquainted with national and worldly issues, and stepping outside of one's life as a performer, and incorporating what one has learned through theatre into another aspect of one's life. Most of these people are some of my favorite performers, which is fun for me at least. Also, One purpose of theatre is to give social commentary, and mirror what is happening in the real world. I am relieved to hear they actually gave the cast the day off in order to really represent what the show portrays. It would have been far too hypocritical if they had not.
I think that the cast of Hair attending the rally really shows the importantance and influence of theater. Throughout history, people have used theater as a means of communicating the ideas and morals of a given time to masses of people by the simple means of telling a story. This is a perfect example of how theater can influence the world in an even more real way. The talents and abilities of the people within the show used in this rally helped an important organization makes statements about issues in the real world an made active and influencial changes. This act of civil engagement shows the epitome of what theater is used for: that there is a whole world around you, you need to get involved.
The commitment these actors have to the cause, shows that they work on this show not for a pay check, but to speak out about what they believe in. This is an example of going above and beyond for what you care about. Such a famous cast going to the rally brings attention to the march and lends it strength. The LGBTQ needs, and deserves, people like this to support them. Taking a day off when they would otherwise have had a show is giving the march their time, and sacrificing the money they would have made on that show. Kudos to the administrators on that show as well for allowing them to do this.
I watched Obama's speak to the Human Rights campaign on C-span the yesterday and he talked about how we need to pressure politicians including himself to take action. I think that what the cast of HAIR did,and what thousands of other marchers did, is right on target with what the President said. Broadway has long been a support for the LGBTQ community and has started organizations such as Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS. The cast of HAIR has taken a stand to fight for equality by participating in this march and they should be applauded for doing their part.
This is a great example of a show and a cast that has maintained a clear purpose. The fact that everyone involved seems to hold a personal stake in the issues that are discussed in the show and that this carries into their personal lives makes a very intense statement and no doubt strengthens the performance that the audience sees.
I think it's great that they were able to do this, and I hope the cast all went willingly and earnestly. To have the cast of such a compelling show send a message like this to the world is an amazing thing. What a great social commentary.
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