Lin-Manuel Miranda’s widely acclaimed rap retelling of the story of America’s first treasurer, Alexander Hamilton, effectively scrubbed the moniker of “forgotten founding father” when it became one of the most successful Broadway musicals of all time. When Hamilton launched in Sydney in 2021, it was the only place in the world the musical was being performed. As Hamilton commences its final weeks in Australia, the United States Studies Centre welcomed Jason Arrow (Alexander Hamilton), Akina Edmonds (Angelica Schuyler), Matu Ngaropo (George Washington) and producer Michael Cassel for an exclusive discussion and Q&A.

What are the similarities and differences in the American and Australian founding stories? How did the Australian performance differ from other locations? How did the cast rehearse with the Hamilton creative team in the midst of the pandemic?

To discuss these questions, the producer and members of the Hamilton joined USSC CEO Dr Michael Green, Non-Resident Senior Fellow Bruce Wolpe and Research Associate Victoria Cooper for a conversation about the Hamilton Australia experience.