âThatâs a lot of horse hockey, Hamilton.â
Described by the New York Times as âclassic activist theaterâ and âa cross between âA Christmas Carolâ and a trial at The Hagueâs International Criminal Court.â
"In this, his latest work, the protean Ishmael Reed--the legendary artist and prolific writer--continues to burnish his already sterling reputation by dismantling the 'Creation Myth' of the founding of the U.S., as represented in the incredibly profitable play and musical, Hamilton. Reed, a verbal acrobat of global renown, demonstrates here why he is widely considered to be the leading intellectual in the U.S. today."
-Gerald Horne, author of The Counter-Revolution of 1776: Slave Resistance and the Origins of the USA
This powerful play, originally produced at the Nuyorican Poets CafĂ©, comprehensively dismantles the phenomenon of Lin-Manuel Miranda and Hamilton. Reed uses the musicalâs crimes against history to insist on a radical, cleareyed way of looking at our past and our selves. Both durable and timely, this goes beyond mere corrective â it is a meticulously researched rebuttal, an absorbing drama, and brilliant rallying cry for justice.
The perfect tie-in to both the success of and backlash to Hamilton, it is the major voice in contrast to the recent movie. It captures both the earnest engagement that fans of the musical desire, as well as the exhausted disbelief of those who canât stand it. Teachers, students and fans of drama, literature, and history will find much to love. It is written by one of Americaâs most respected and original writers, who is eagerly promoting it, and who is long overdue for a renaissance.