Arkansas PBS > Engage > Pressroom > AETN, Hendrix to host screening of 'Hamilton's America' Oct. 9
Posted 27 Sep 2016
The Arkansas Educational Television Network has partnered with the Hendrix College Department of Theatre Arts and Dance to host a free advance screening of 'Hamilton's America' Sunday, Oct. 9, at 2 p.m.
The screening, which is free and open to the public, will be held in Mills A of the Mills Social Sciences Center, located along Washington Avenue on the Hendrix campus in Conway. Following the screening will be an interdisciplinary discussion titled '(Re)Presenting History: Hamilton's America' about the documentary, the musical and related themes.
Additional information is available by contacting Hendrix Distinguished Professor of Politics Dr. Jay Barth at barth@hendrix.edu or 501-450-1319.
'Hamilton's America,' the documentary film that brings history to vivid life through the lens of Lin-Manuel Miranda's pop culture Broadway phenomenon 'Hamilton' – winner of 11 Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize – will premiere on AETN as the season opener for the PBS Arts Fall Festival Friday, Oct. 21, at 8 p.m.
The story of Alexander Hamilton is most remembered for its dramatic conclusion, which saw Hamilton killed in a duel by Vice President Aaron Burr. The full story of this political genius – a poor immigrant who built himself up from nothing to become one of the nation's most vital architects – has largely been forgotten by history until now.
Today, Hamilton's fan club is vocal and growing, thanks to Tony, Grammy and Emmy-winning composer and actor Miranda's revolutionary musical. With its young cast claiming America's history as its own, 'Hamilton' is redefining how audiences learn about history.
'Hamilton's America' delves even deeper into the creation of the show, revealing Miranda's process of absorbing and then adapting Hamilton's epic story into groundbreaking musical theater. Furthering the story is newly shot footage of the New York production with its original cast, trips to historic locations with Miranda and other cast members, and a surprising range of interviews with prominent personalities, experts, politicians and musicians.
'Hamilton's America' shows just how timeless the hot-button issues of today's America are: immigration, states' rights, debt, income inequality and race relations. These were the same fights that defined Hamilton's time, and they are the driving force of Miranda's historic work. The film endeavors to brush the dust off American history, much as the musical does, and provide a unique new way for citizens to view their national heritage and current political landscape.
The Arkansas Educational Television Network (AETN) is Arkansas's statewide public television network that enhances lives by providing lifelong learning opportunities for people from all walks of life. AETN delivers local, award-winning productions and classic, trusted PBS programs aimed at sharing Arkansas and the world with viewers. AETN depends on the generosity of Arkansans and the State of Arkansas to continue offering quality programming. For more information, visit aetn.org, or follow the AETN blog at aetn.org/engage. AETN is broadcast on KETS (Little Rock), KEMV (Mountain View), KETG (Arkadelphia), KAFT (Fayetteville), KTEJ (Jonesboro), and KETZ (El Dorado).