Hamilton cast admires Filipinos’ respect for elders and even strangers
The international production of the Broadway megahit musical Hamilton has been playing at Theatre at Solaire for a month now, affording its stars ample time and opportunity to observe and soak in some local culture.
In case you don’t know it yet, the Manila season serves as the Asian premiere of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Tony, Grammy, Olivier and Pulitzer-winning hip-hop musical about one of America’s founding fathers, Alexander Hamilton.
Australian actor Jason Arrow, cast in the titular role of Alexander Hamilton, and US theater veteran Darnell Abraham, who brings to life the character of the first American president George Washington, recently shared their experiences and insights so far during this Manila run.
When asked about their encounters with Filipino fans, the actors were quick to highlight the warmth and respect they have received from the local audience.
Jason particularly noted the level of respect that Filipinos exhibit towards strangers. In hallways or random interactions, he said there’s an immediate display of courtesy, regardless of whether they know you or your background. That respect left a lasting impression on him.
Jason said, “I would say respect. That one really sticks with me… One of the things I’ve noticed is a lot of respect for people who don’t even know you, just randomly walking in the hallways or something. And there will just be an immediate respectful person next to you without knowing who they are, what they do, where they’re from. It doesn’t matter. It’s respect. It just sort of happens here a lot which you don’t really get anywhere else so it is very unique.”
Darnell, in turn, expressed appreciation for the strong sense of community in the Philippines. He observed a deep reverence for elders and a preference for a “communal spirit” that extends beyond one’s immediate household.
Darnell said, “Literally, the very first thought we talked about before we came out and that is the community. There really is a really a community here.
“I think that’s not always the case in places that I visited all over the world. But there are places where there really is a preference for community that goes beyond your immediate house… and in fact, you see a respect for the elderly, for the elders.”
Both actors agreed that the Filipino audiences are very polite.
“Just to see folks interact and say thank you, po and for understanding that. We are not opposed to ‘sir.’ It’s even higher than that. It is so beautiful, and to be out in the community, but then to also experience the spirit of any audience that we can totally say Filipino audiences are so polite,” Darnell said.
Jason also offered a peek into his daily routine that prepares him for the demands of each performance night. His preparation varies from day to day, but he dedicates his mornings to both his mental and physical condition. This includes hitting the gym and engaging in exercises. The rest of the day unfolds organically, influenced by the requirements of his performance.
Darnell, on the other hand, got to open up about his early introduction to the theater world. Growing up singing in church, he developed an interest in music and performing arts. He was in first grade when he was introduced to Shakespeare and classic Hollywood movies, perhaps helping lay the foundation for his acting career.
His grandmothers had always envisioned him as a pastor or performer. He said his role as George Washington in Hamilton combines both aspects, with the character delivering a sermon-like speech in the song One Last Time.
“You know, it’s an exhortation. And then, that validation was the most rewarding and I thank my parents and my families for nurturing that,” he said.
Both actors also spoke about the unique challenges of being part of an international tour. After the Manila season, the international tour will head to Dubai and then Singapore, as just recently announced.
Jason mentioned the aspects of navigating a foreign city, being away from home and living out of a suitcase. “Navigating how to get to work, where to buy things. All that stuff. And just things like waking up to an alarm clock. Being away from home, living out of a suitcase, things like that. You see two guys who are forced to go (on a tour together) for a long time… I see that as like, you know, I have to be open minded. I sort of meditate my way through the whole experience. What I’ve seen is pretty enjoyable,” he said.
Darnell, on the other hand, considered the entire tour as a blessing but also stressed the emotional challenge of portraying historical figures. Ultimately, he learned to embrace the “historic significance” of a black man playing Washington as a celebration of the complexities of history.
“In addition to what Jason said, for me, (the challenge) is taking the role of Washington because, I mean, these are historical figures (in the musical). And so anyone can pick up a book and read about these people, especially George Washington because he’s the most captivating US president in history. Everyone has an idea of who George Washington is… He is in the pictures or, at least, artist renditions and illustrations.”
Playing Washington as a human with imperfections rather than an idealized figure proved to be a difficult undertaking. “It’s a challenge, taking him off the pedestal, and humanizing this human being who had flaws and all. Also for me, as a descendant of enslaved black Americans, George Washington enslaved black Americans, and so it’s trying to reconcile that reality. And again, that was really difficult for me in the beginning. It was very, very difficult for me,” Darnell admitted.
“Through a lot of time spent in meditation, prayer, and also in therapy quite frankly and speaking with my family, with people that I trust, I was able to work my way through it. While I represent George Washington, I represent my ancestors first. And this reconciliation can still be beautiful in that it’s not that we’re trying to rewrite history.
“I think that’s what makes this moment so historical, another black man (playing) George Washington. And I think there’s beauty as a celebration of all it. It’s just a really great experience to share with audiences here in Manila. That’s been probably the single biggest thing I had to overcome.”
Darnell and Jason had the opportunity to talk to the press during the recent launch of the new Smart Infinity Lounge at the BGC store. The event not only showcased the lounge but also the exclusive services it offers to Smart Infinity members.
It also marked the announcement of the Hamilton VIP Experience in collaboration with Smart Infinity. Subscribers to Smart Infinity’s premium plans (5000 and 8000) now receive a pair of complimentary Hamilton VIP tickets for the entire duration of the Manila musical, which runs until Nov. 26. These plans include flagship devices, unlimited mobile data, calls and texts to all networks, exclusive access to Smart Infinity pre-show and afterparty events, as well as the chance to meet and greet the Hamilton cast.
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