The Teacher Appears When The Student Is Ready

byLisaDSampson

205 followers

10 years ago

It's possible that you've never heard of Lin-Manuel Miranda. He's the kind of writer that makes me go ooooh. He's a writer and composer of musicals - his 2 shows 'In The Heights' and 'Hamilton' are currently on Broadway. Now these are big achievements, big enough on their own in the cut throat world of stage entertainment to warrant a good deal of respect. His work is of high quality. The stories he tells, the creative casting decisions he makes - these simple things are revolutionising the face of American theatre - and thus America, that great big stageshow - in manifold ways. Oh, and he knows about Verdi's creative journey (because a doctor once treated Lin's buggered up shoulder with a story about Verdi). He's cool enough to admit that he didn't do some obscure university course to know it.

But these aren't the reasons I like Lin.

I like Lin because his writing is wrought from the pain, the pleasure, the passion, the particulars of his struggle. I like Lin because he could have chosen a rapid ascent into the world of show biz if he had compromised his soul and his vision. But instead, he chose the path of authenticity - even though it brought doubt and worry that lasted years.

Look, I could wax lyrical (some more) about Lin, but I think you should just listen to his 2016 Commencement Address to the University of Pennsylvania or read the transcript:

In fact, the best thing Lin has taught me is that being an artist is all about not avoiding pain. I guess I should have realised it by now - and I have to some extent. Some of my best pieces have been written when I've been in the metaphysical pits. But lately, I'd gone through a life avalanche. Putting one foot in front of the other was hard enough, let alone continuing to work towards my goals against the exacting timelines I'd set for myself.

And so, after hearing Lin's address, whilst appreciating the value of pain and the effect it had on my writing, I decided to invoke a little Bruce Lee to deal with the actual experience of living through adversity:

Au revoir - see you in the pond.