Hamilton and Me: An Actor’s Journal is an honest and thrilling inside account written by one of the UK’s leading actors, Giles Terera, who played Aaron Burr in the London production of Lin-Manuel Miranda’s smash-hit, award-winning musical Hamilton which opened in London’s West End in December 2017 and won a record-equaling seven Olivier Awards.
This is a new and deeply personal book that reveals Giles Terera’s unique experiences from his own life that helped shape his acclaimed portrayal as Aaron Burr – a journey which began more than a year earlier with his first audition in New York. Hamilton and Me: An Actor’s Journal explores everything involved in opening a once-in-a-generation production, from the extensive research and preparation to intense rehearsals, preview performances and finally opening night itself.
Throughout this exhilarating time, Terera kept a journal, recording his experiences of the production and his process of creating his award-winning performance. This book, Hamilton and Me, is that journal. It also features unseen colour photographs and an exclusive foreword by Hamilton creator and original star Lin-Manuel Miranda.
This is a wonderful opportunity to not only step back into the auditorium but explore behind the scenes to gain a rare insight into one of the most important cultural spectacles of our time, and enjoy an experience that would typically remain a mystery.
To celebrate the launch of Hamilton and Me, Giles Terera will return to the Victoria Palace Theatre, Hamilton’s London home, for an exclusive online event, streamed at 8.30pm on 1st July. Presented by Fane, this one-off event will include special guest appearances from original London cast members Jamael Westman (Alexander Hamilton) and Rachel John (Angelica Schuyler), with others to be announced.
Giles Terera said: “As an actor, I’ve always kept rehearsal journals. It helps me process what I’m experiencing as well as helping me remember what I’m supposed to be doing. When I was asked to play the part of Aaron Burr in Hamilton I knew that it would be both an incredible challenge and an extraordinary journey – one I wanted to learn from as well as enjoy. So, every day, I kept notes on the work and the experience. I’m so happy that an experience which has been so life-changing for me might now be of use to students, theatre-makers and anyone who loves Hamilton as much I do.”
Creator of Hamilton, Lin-Manuel Miranda, said: “This is one of the most joyous and clear-eyed approaches to playing a character that I have ever read. I am so grateful Giles took notes on his process and turned them into this book. I was already in awe of his performance; now I’m in awe of his humanity and attention to detail and willingness to share the hard work and magic that goes into it.”
Nick Hern Books will publish Hamilton and Me in hardback, ebook and audiobook on 1st July 2021, in all territories outside of North America. More information about the book can be found at www.hamiltonandme.com and the exclusive FANE launch event on 1st July at www.fane.co.uk/hamilton-and-me.
