Todrick Hall says he is grateful that his off-Broadway musical “Midnight” is prompting discussion, even as the production faces criticism over its depiction of slavery. Hall wrote, directed and created the show, and stars as Rail, an enslaved man who falls in love with Richard, a white plantation owner and his neighbor.
Playing at New York’s Daryl Roth Theatre, the musical has been criticized by some for allegedly revising the history of slavery, exploiting Black trauma and making slavery’s dangers seem fantastical for artistic effect.
Hall said he values theater that challenges audiences and encourages deeper conversations. He recalled seeing many musicals with his partner that did not lead them to reflect together, adding that there is room for productions that do.
The idea for “Midnight” came to Hall during the pandemic, as he followed the Black Lives Matter movement. He said he chose to set the story amid slavery to begin at what he considers the roots of divisions that remain today.
Hall has also responded to critics on social media, saying he wants to defend the work while respectfully sharing his perspective. He objected to people claiming that the musical does not represent Black audiences as a whole, and pointed to the varied audiences he sees at performances, including people of different races, ages and sexual orientations.
Hall said he does not want to dictate how theatergoers, including Black and queer audiences, should interpret the show. Instead, he wants them to consider the work put into its melodies, characters, story arcs and twists.
Sources: Page Six.