Hamilton Stars Hold Acting Workshop for Belfast Students During Frederick Douglass Week

Paul Oakley Stovell and Nikhil Saboo, two stars from the original tour of the hit musical Hamilton, held an acting workshop for students in Belfast as part of Frederick Douglass Week. The event, which took place at a school in North Belfast, celebrated the legacy of the former slave who visited the city in the 1840s.

The workshop, attended by children from several schools, focused on teaching performance skills and encouraging the students to speak up for their beliefs, just as Frederick Douglass did. Oakley Stovall, who played George Washington in the first national tour of Hamilton, and Saboo, who was part of the ensemble cast, led the workshop.

During the event, descendants of Frederick Douglass spoke about the importance of education and activism in Douglass's life and how the students can follow his example. The workshop aimed to inspire the students to be confident in expressing their views and standing up for causes they believe in, echoing the message of the musical Hamilton.

Why this matters: The acting workshop not only provided an opportunity for students to learn from accomplished performers but also highlighted the enduring impact of Frederick Douglass's fight for civil rights and social justice. By connecting the themes of the musical Hamilton with Douglass's legacy, the event encouraged young people to become active participants in shaping their communities and advocating for change.

The workshop was part of a series of events held during Frederick Douglass Week, which celebrates the life and work of the abolitionist who spent time in Belfast during his travels. The involvement of the Hamilton stars added a unique and engaging element to the week's activities, drawing attention to the ongoing relevance of Douglass's message of equality and empowerment.

Key Takeaways

• Hamilton stars held acting workshop for Belfast students
• Workshop celebrated legacy of Frederick Douglass's visit
• Focused on performance skills and speaking up for beliefs
• Descendants discussed Douglass's impact on education and activism
• Event connected Hamilton's themes to Douglass's civil rights legacy