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Hamilton the musical has taken the theatre world by storm and now it has arrived in Aotearoa.
The Grammy Award winning show is playing in Auckland, telling the story of one of America’s founding fathers Alexander Hamilton.
Among the diverse cast are three Samoan actors including Elandrah Eramiha who plays Peggy Schuyler/Maria Reynolds. She says the story is relatable.
“It’s such a human story that I think will translate to the audiences and people will be like, ‘Oh, it’s actually pretty cool,’” she says.
Earlier in the week when the production arrived the cast and crew were welcomed onto Orakei Marae with a traditional pōwhiri, and for some it was an emotional homecoming.
“It was so amazing especially to share it with the class and people who’ve never been to a pōwhiri before. Everyone was just in tears. It was so beautiful.” Eramiha says.
“I’m so excited. I love it here, I missed home, it’s been a long time. But, you know, New Zealand’s always home.”
Another Samoan returning to our shores is Iosefa Laga’aia who is part of the cast ensemble.
“It’s gorgeous to be back home, it just feels safe, it feels comfortable,” he says.
“It’s been a while since I’ve been back home in Auckland for a long period of time, and I thought I might feel a little bit different. But it’s just been so easy since day one, since we touched down on the plane.”
Following in the footsteps of his father Jay Laga’aia, was something Iosefa hadn’t planned on.
“When I was growing up, I tried my absolute hardest not to. I think, as all kids are, we’re a little bit rebellious. But I did my first musical in 2017 and realized I really enjoyed it,” Laga’aia says.
The actors all agree that being part of the production has been inspiring.
“I vividly remember coming in on that first day, just seeing people who looked like me, who talked like me, who have names like mine. It was the most kind of reverent thing, I guess, to see that and it’s still taking me time to take that in,” Laga’aia says.
But being part of this unique ensemble hasn’t come without sacrifices, especially for Samoan Kirrah Amosa.
“I’m a first-time mum to a young son. My son is eight months old and there’s love and support around me everywhere to make it work. I lean on everyone all the time. It really does take a village to be here to get up every day. But I’m living the dream and I’m so, so lucky.”
The show is playing at Spark Arena until Sunday 11 June.
