Tainga Savage (Hamilton)
Tainga Savage, who set to play John Laurens & Philip Hamilton.
Sydney theatre lovers, get ready for a deep dive into the world of Hamilton through the eyes of one of its stars, Tainga Savage. Known for his dynamic performances & rich cultural insights, Savage is thrilled to be contributing to bringing this iconic musical back to Australian audiences.
In an exclusive interview, Savage shared his thoughts on the show’s return, his personal journey with the production, & the broader cultural implications of Hamilton.
Finding Hamilton & Hip-Hop’s Unique Appeal
When Tainga Savage first heard about Hamilton, he was immediately intrigued by its unique blend of hip-hop & musical theatre.
“Honestly, you know, musicals for me were all, you know, jazz hands &... it was just very like, I don't know, musicals were musicals,” he told Pario, describing his initial scepticism.
From there, Savage’s entry into the world of Hamilton was a twist of fate. In 2020, while performing in another show, he learned about the auditions from a colleague. This chance encounter led him to send a hopeful email to the casting director, eventually landing him a role after multiple auditions during the pandemic.
Watching the Disney+ version of Hamilton during lockdown solidified his fascination. “I finally got to put, the show to the music that I was listening to. And when I finally watched it & I listened to it, I was like, this is insane. It blew my mind. And it was really right up my alley. Cause like hip-hop & R&B is what I grew up on,” he reflected.
This connection between his musical roots & the show’s innovative approach made Hamilton a natural fit for Savage.
Resonating with Australian Audiences
Despite its roots in American history, Hamilton has struck a chord with Australian audiences, a phenomenon Savage attributes to the universal themes of struggle & triumph.
“Hamilton being somebody who is just a minority who had been through the craziest of times & ended up just doing nothing but fighting for what he believed in & what he wanted for his country... I think people can resonate with that,” Savage explained.
For Savage, a First Nations man, the story of Alexander Hamilton’s rise from obscurity to prominence is particularly inspiring. He sees parallels in Hamilton’s journey with his own cultural history, highlighting the story’s power to inspire. “For him to just go & take so much action & create so much change for the country &, like start a revolution & finding freedom... I’m like, that's pretty cool. That's pretty inspiring,” Savage said.
This sense of underdog perseverance & fighting for a better future resonates deeply with the Australian ethos.
“I think the idea of somebody coming from virtually nothing & lifting themselves up by their bootstraps... that's kind of the Australian way. Right?” Savage noted, drawing a direct line between the show’s themes & Australian cultural values.
Returning to the Sydney Stage
As Hamilton prepares to return to Sydney’s Lyric Theatre, Savage is stepping into dual roles as John Laurens & Philip Hamilton. “I'm feeling actually super excited. I'm really excited to be jumping on & being part of the principal cast,” he shared. Savage’s journey with the show has been one of growth & adaptation. Initially starting as an onstage cover, he has performed multiple roles, a testament to his versatility & dedication.
“Coming into this, it's actually going to be weirdly, I think, comfortable & familiar. But at the same time, what I'm most excited about is to just jump into a principal role every single night & bring that truth & playfulness to the audiences of Sydney,” he expressed.
With this new challenge comes a sense of ownership & a deeper connection to the character, even though Savage emphasises the collective effort of the cast.
“I don't feel a sense of like this role is mine because I'm part of a team that makes the show happen... it's kind of like a passing of the torch. I'm simply holding the torch for now in that position."
Savage is optimistic about the upcoming season, looking forward to the energy & enthusiasm of the Sydney audience. He encouraged those hesitant about seeing the show to take the plunge.
“Step out of your comfort zone. Like take a shot at it... just go & watch the show. It's not like any other musical out there. It sets a new standard for musicals,” he urged.
Sydney theatre-goers, mark your calendars. Hamilton is back, & with Tainga Savage leading the charge, it promises to be an unforgettable experience.
Follow Tainga's creative journey on social media at: @taingatoa
Get tickets to Hamilton at www.hamiltonmusical.com.au
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