Friday, July 01, 2016
‘Hamilton’ Swept the Tonys, but Has Diversity Swept Broadway?
AMERICAN THEATRE: Diversity was the central theme at the Tony Awards on June 12. Host James Corden pointed it out in his opening monologue: “Think of tonight as the Oscars, but with diversity. It’s so diverse, Donald Drumpf has threatened to build a wall around this theatre.”
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I would not normally like to read or get sucked into an article that unfortunately focuses on the negatives of diversity in and on Broadway after, as the article does point out, such a abnormally diverse and uplifting year and Tony's season that is now coming to a close. I do have to say, though, that this piece touches on a very real, very true point about diversity not only on Broadway, but in any place or position that is put in the public eye, also including Hollywood produced film and television. This year, a show like Hamilton has gotten so much incredible attention, not just because its a great show with great music, but also because it is a show in which Americans of all races today get to see themselves on stage, in turn giving many young people of minorities new and improved role models. The other point that the article touched on was that "...diversity should not be a 'fluke'". As we keep this in mind, we must also look to change and obliterate the greater institutions of racism and discrimination based on any identity that is ever present in the United States. We need to keep seeing constant diversity as we move onto new seasons of shows both on and off Broadway in order for the next generation to keep being connected and interested in great arts like theatre and musical theatre.
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