The Performing Arts have long constructed the basis of culture, praise, and literature, dominating since the Dark Ages of Ancient Greece. Sparkling in its glittered prime, this sacred form of expression has harvested creativity for the ages.
However, as society falls into a new millenia of social media, digital connection, reveling in a life made of pixels, the theatrical arts have been tarnished, forever forgotten.
Theatre kids, theatre people in general, have grown accustomed to their under-appreciated craft, weathering the thunderstorm of ridicule and mockery.
They prefer the spotlight to the classroom, the practice of make-believe to the harsh underscores of reality.
A recent phenomenon has taken over the social pages, however, as new musicals dominate the streets of Broadway and the global stage. Despite the isolationism of thespians, the theatrical arts have proven to be a cure to the melancholia of modern day society.
The greatest example of this subtle social dance occurred earlier this year, during the Governors’ Ball. On February 22, President Donald Trump and his administration attended a party, hosted by First Lady Melania Trump. Other guests were also in attendance, including famous politicians and other celebrities of similar status and occupation.
The Army Choir, a group of soldiers who have history in the US military, were scheduled to perform at this celebration. They have been known to sing all genres of music, including top hits from Broadway.
The choir performed “Do You Hear the People Sing,” from “Les Miserables,” a musical that fights the claws of tyranny and tells the story of the French Revolution. Better known as “Les Mis,” the musical has garnered symbolism for rebellion and liberty, as many characters fight to overthrow the King of France, an evil antagonist who used his royal status to lead the working class to their personal doom.
In recent news and possible gossip, the performance has been speculated as an act of protest and defiance against Trump and his administration. With both bodies being in attendance, along with jarring controversy surrounding the president’s short reign, the song choice was more than interesting.
It almost seems as if the Army Choir used the song, its lyrics most famous for battling the trenches of tyranny, to directly protest POTUS and his growing regime. Trump’s self-proclamation as king, the title claimed on a recent social media post made before the ceremony, was unfortunately perfect timing.
Other productions like “Hamiton” and “Wicked” have witnessed similar responses, as the public has strewn the timeless ballads across news networks and social media platforms.
In 2015, “Hamilton,” written and directed by legendary Lin-Manuel Miranda, made a similar statement, attacking another very current political situation. Racism and hatred has attacked the American fundamentals of liberty and prosperity, and the musical made a statement against the age-old curse of ethnic discrimination. “Hamilton” made a significant statement by casting an incredibly diverse cast, many characters played by People of Color.
From Hispanic to Asian to African American, the musical was a colorful, cultural tapestry, taking a stand against White Supremacy.
“Wicked,” the film released in November 2024, also struck against the race problem, as Cynthia Erivo, an African American woman, was cast as Elphaba, the witch criticized for the color of her skin. It was interesting to see the dynamics shared between actor and character, and many have gone far to claim “Wicked” takes a stand against racial discrimination due to casting choices.
In a world seemingly obsessed with musical theatre, it is unfortunate to see the constant backlash theatre kids receive at school and in public. The “nerds,” the “geeks,” the “dorks” engrossed in Shakespeare and Sondheim, plagued by the mockery of “normal” kids. Kids who are soulless, sucked up by the dooming pixels of social media.
It is truly unfortunate to witness a beauty never truly understood by the public world, never truly witnessed or appreciated by peers and colleagues. A beauty embossed on news articles and political propaganda, to further the agenda of two dueling parties, never to be truly loved and seen by the generalized eye.