Hamilton and Me
Imprint: Nick Hern Books
Hardback, 224 pages ISBN: 9781848429994Publication Date:
1 Jul 2021
Size: 216mm x 138mm£16.99 £13.59You save £3.40 (20%)
Ebook, 224 pages ISBN: 9781788503563Publication Date:
1 Jul 2021
£16.99 £13.59You save £3.40 (20%)

Hamilton and Me

An Actor's Journal

By Giles Terera Foreword by Lin-Manuel Miranda

Hardback £16.99£13.59

Ebook £16.99£13.59

'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.' Lin-Manuel Miranda, from his Foreword

When Lin-Manuel Miranda's groundbreaking musical Hamilton opened in London's West End in December 2017, it was as huge a hit as it had been in its original production off- and on Broadway. Lauded by critics and audiences alike, the show would go on to win a record-equalling seven Olivier Awards – including Best Actor in a Musical for Giles Terera, for his portrayal of Aaron Burr.

For Terera, though, his journey as Burr had begun more than a year earlier, with his first audition in New York, and continuing through extensive research and preparation, intense rehearsals, previews and finally opening night itself. Throughout this time he 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 offers an honest, intimate and thrilling look at everything involved in opening a once-in-a-generation production – the triumphs, breakthroughs and doubts, the camaraderie of the rehearsal room and the moments of quiet backstage contemplation – as well as a fascinating, in-depth exploration of now-iconic songs and moments from the musical, as seen from the inside. It is also deeply personal, as Terera reflects on experiences from his own life that he drew on to help shape his acclaimed portrayal.

Illustrated with dozens of colour photographs, many of which are shared here for the first time, and featuring an exclusive Foreword by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this book is an essential read for all fans of Hamilton – offering fresh, first-hand insights into the music and characters they love and know so well – as well as for aspiring and current performers, students, and anyone who wants to discover what it really felt like to be in the room where it happened.

Hamilton and Me was featured as Book of Week on BBC Radio 4 in August 2021.


PRAISE FOR GILES TERERA'S AARON BURR

'Giles Terera steals the show with his sphinx-like charisma as Hamilton's nemesis, Aaron Burr' The i

'Giles Terera is terrific as Aaron Burr, who narrates this story, anchoring it, managing to hold together the whole exploding maelstrom' The Times

'A star-making performance... as the ambitious Burr, Terera has a cool shrewdness. But there are notes of resentment, awkwardness and longing in his performance — Burr's appetite for politics is quickened by a thwarted desire to be, as one second-half song emphasises, in "the room where it happens"' Evening Standard

'Giles Terera plays Aaron Burr, Hamilton's friend and fatal foe, in a combined role of both narrator and protagonist; a structural task he lands with the easy authority and perfect timing of Mohammad Ali in his pomp' BBC News

'A lithe, even slimey, solitary figure always desperately trying and failing to fit in, Terera grounds Burr's growing resentment beautifully... Terera's Burr has a gnat-like quality, easily swatted away despite his brilliance. Little wonder life grinds him down to bitterness, even something like madness and, as Burr's star falls and his life stalls, Terera’s eyes cross in blinkered enmity. You feel for him hugely' Variety

'Giles Terera is splendid as Burr, the frenemy and nemesis who is Salieri to Hamilton's Mozart, all silky, privileged containment and disengaged calculation as opposed to his fellow orphan’s committed impetuosity' Independent

'As Aaron Burr, Giles Terera gives a shiny performance that shows how his character's smoothness becomes his nemesis' New York Times

'Stand. Breathe. Look. Try to empty my mind. Somehow, for some reason, I have been brought to this place to tell this story, now. So tell it. That's all.'

Press Quotes

'Masterful and excellently written... offers audiences and readers the chance to not only be in the 'room where it happens' but also to smell the sweat, feel the pulsing hearts and hear the resonance... deserves a permanent place on aspiring musical theatre performers' bookshelves'

Reviews Hub

'The author's credentials as a Hamilton expert are second to none... the real strength of this book lies not only in its affection for the show and the company but also a great deal of detail about the topsy-turvy adventure of bringing it to the stage... a highly articulate, very thoughtful and hugely enjoyable read'

British Theatre Guide

'A rare insight behind the scenes... fascinating, well-written, relatable and engaging... if you're a fan of Hamilton, an aspiring actor, or just a lover of history, this book will inspire you to take a look at those characters and performers you admire and see them in a different way'

The Play's The Thing UK

'Insightful, honest, and reflective... a fantastic insight into a process few outside the production bubble will ever get to witness... grab a copy today'

Everything Theatre

'An inspirational and insightful read... the level of detail that the book affords into the rehearsal process is particularly fascinating, taking us so far behind the scenes you can smell the greasepaint... jam-packed full of hard-won insights and all kinds of practical advice'

There Ought To Be Clowns

'Remarkable... a fascinating insight into the process of getting Hamilton staged... a must-read for all Hamilton fans, but even if Hamilton doesn't set your world alight it is a book I would recommend for any theatre fan or performer anyway due to the insight it gives in preparing for a role and the process of getting a West End show on stage'

Musical Theatre Musings

'A smart blend of memoir and vital insight into what performers go through to get a show on the road... an absolute delight. Illuminating about both the craft of acting and the glorious show that is Hamilton, it takes you on a whirlwind journey through what was clearly an incredibly important period in Giles Terera's life. Thoroughly recommended for anyone with an interest in acting, Hamilton, or just theatre in general'

Mind The Blog

'A great read, with beautiful photographs and steeped with history and experiences from Terera's view. If you love Hamilton you will love this book!'

Confessions of a Bookworm

'Well-written from the heart and very interesting, this book provides an insight into the life of an actor and how Giles approached the development of his character. A super resource for students and teachers alike'

Word Matters (Journal of the Society of Teachers of Speech and Drama)
Imprint: Nick Hern Books
Hardback,224 pages ISBN: 9781848429994Publication Date:
1 Jul 2021
Size: 216mm x 138mm£16.99 £13.59You save £3.40 (20%)
Ebook,224 pages ISBN: 9781788503563Publication Date:
1 Jul 2021
£16.99 £13.59You save £3.40 (20%)

Also by Giles Terera:

The Meaning of Zong

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