The hit Broadway musical "Hamilton" has received widespread praise for its diverse cast, but Lin-Manuel Miranda's show has now drawn criticism for posting a casting call seeking "non-white men and women" to audition for the hit production.
"Hamilton" is "seeking NON-WHITE men and women, ages 20s to 30s, for Broadway and upcoming Tours," read the controversial ad, which was posted on the show's website earlier this week.
The show, known for casting black and Latino actors to play roles of prominent figures in American history such as Alexander Hamilton and George Washington, sparked backlash on social media over its casting notice, with many accusing the show of racial discrimination.
The show's producers responded to the accusations, stating that they regretted any confusion that might have been caused by the ad and agreed to change the wording of the same but will continue to cast diverse performers in the show for its narrative.
"It is essential to the storytelling of 'Hamilton' that the principal roles -- which were written for non-white characters (excepting King George) -- be performed by non-white actors," the producers said in a statement on Wednesday.
"This adheres to the accepted practice that certain characteristics in certain roles constitute a 'bona fide occupational qualification' that is legal," the statement continued.
The producers then pointed out that many other shows like "The Color Purple," "Matilda" or "Porgy & Bess" hire actors based on "race, ethnicity or age."
"The casting will be amended to also include language we neglected to add, that is, we welcome people of all ethnicities to audition for 'Hamilton,'" they said.
When asked about what he thought about the show's casting call, Randolph McLaughlin, a human rights lawyer in New York said that "Hamilton's" advertisement shows a "preference for one racial group over another," which is illegal according to New York Law.
"I don't know how a producer in the 21st century can think this is OK," he said. "Even when the intention is obviously good, you can't express racial preference. This is an issue we have been fighting for decades and it started for black people. Imagine if the casting call was for WHITES ONLY. Al Sharpton would have a picket line. Listen, Idris Alba might not be the best person to play James Bond, but he should certainly be allowed to audition for the role if he wants to."
A photo posted by Broadway Black (@broadwayblack) on Mar 30, 2016 at 10:06pm PDT
