Oskar Eustis: Bringing “Hamilton” to the Stage and Making Theater Accessible to All
Apr 16, 2024
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Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director at the Public Theater in NYC, talks about bringing Hamilton to the stage, making theater accessible to all, and the importance of performing arts in democracy. He discusses his early avant-garde experiences, convincing Lin-Manuel Miranda, and innovative community engagements at senior centers, women's shelters, and prisons.
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Quick takeaways
Oskar Eustis advocates for bringing theater to marginalized communities like senior centers and women's shelters, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in the arts.
Oskar Eustis' journey from experimental avant-garde theater to mainstream success showcases the transformative power of embracing unconventional artistic approaches.
The symbiotic relationship between theater and democracy is highlighted, emphasizing how engaging with diverse viewpoints fosters empathy and understanding for societal betterment.
Deep dives
Oscar Eustace's Early Journey into Theater
Starting his theater career at a young age, Oscar Eustace rebelled against his parents by embracing a career in the arts at 12. Discovering his passion for acting and theater, even at a young age, Eustace found solace in the performing arts. His unique personality traits that made him an outsider in his hometown of Minnesota were celebrated in the theater world, providing him a sense of belonging.
Exploring Experimental Theater in New York
Venturing into experimental theater in downtown New York, Eustace delved into avant-garde performances that challenged traditional norms. Embracing a countercultural artistic scene in the 60s and 70s, Eustace found a creative haven in a diverse mix of radical theatrical expressions. The experimental environments below 14th Street in New York shaped his formative years and influenced his artistic direction.
The Evolution of Angels in America and Public Works Initiative
Embarking on a transformative journey with Tony Kushner, Eustace played a pivotal role in developing the groundbreaking play 'Angels in America.' Witnessing the meteoric rise of the play from public readings to its acclaimed premieres, Eustace's collaboration with Kushner became a defining moment in his career. Additionally, Eustace's Public Works initiative emphasized the universal artistry in every individual, initiating community-based art projects that blurred the lines between amateurs and professionals, fostering inclusivity and creativity.
The Importance of Creativity and Imagination
Creativity and imagination are fundamental human traits that differentiate us from mere genetic programming. Aristotle's belief that imitation is the earliest form of learning serves to highlight how individuals, from a young age, engage in roles and behaviors to explore various facets of life. This essence of trying on roles and challenging traditional conventions is what defines humanity's unique ability to question, adapt, and evolve beyond genetic predispositions.
The Intersection of Theater, Democracy, and Empathy
The podcast delves into the pivotal connection between theater and democracy, tracing their origins to ancient Greece where both concepts emerged simultaneously. By stressing the importance of empathy and understanding multiple perspectives, theater mirrors the core values of democracy, emphasizing the necessity of engaging with diverse viewpoints. The symbiotic relationship between theater and democracy lies in challenging individuals to embrace differing opinions, fostering a culture of open dialogue and seeking common ground amidst conflicting viewpoints for the collective betterment of society.
Oskar Eustis is the Artistic Director at the Public Theater in New York City. He sits down with Guy to talk about “falling into the avant-garde rat hole” early in his career; convincing Lin-Manuel Miranda that Hamilton was more than a concept album; bringing theater to senior centers, women’s shelters, and prisons; and why he believes performing arts are essential to democracy.
See what the Public theater has playing here: https://publictheater.org/
For more conversations like this – including interviews with theater legends like Audra McDonald and Nathan Lane – go to https://www.thegreatcreators.com.