Spotlight Sunday: HIAWATHA

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Written By Emmie Newitt

Hiawatha is a new musical written by pianist/vocalist, Chris Bebbington. Based on mythology from one of the largest tribal populations amongst Native American people, Ojibwe. This new musical is set in present-day America where Chanie, a member of the Oijbwe national, witnesses the murder of his trans friend at the hands of racist, transphobic white supremacists. He is rescued from a pit of despair and self-destruction by his family who supports his recovery by telling him the story of his ancestors.

Hiawatha blends together historical facts and Ojibwe tales. This enables the audience into the pre-colonisation world of Chaine's ancestors. Bebbington has used Longstaff's poem 'The Song of Hiawatha' to incorporate historical characters' names.

The music written for Hiawatha has a gorgeous blend of Native American drumming and song with a more enhanced modernistic style with R 'n' B. This mix of music invokes the 'powwow-step' soundworld of artists like The Halluci Nation and Angel Haze.

You can listen to music from the new musical Hiawatha over on YouTube.

Emmie Newitt

Emmie is a Learning Support Assistant in a primary school and online content creator from the East Midlands, but her heart most definitely lies within the theatre. She trained in Dance and this is where her love for writing began. Emmie launched her own blog, Carpe Diem Emmie, in 2014 and it continues to be a thriving hub for the best in the East Midlands, especially when it comes to the art scene there. Emmie is a self-confessed theatre obsessive and is thrilled to be part of the West End Best Friend team!

https://www.carpediememmie.co.uk/
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