The Power of Art in Turbulent Times: Reimagining “Les Misérables” Across Borders and Ideologies
In 2019, amidst the chaos of Venezuela’s political upheaval, Claudia Salazar embarked on an audacious project: staging the iconic musical “Les Misérables” in Caracas. This was during a period marked by widespread protests against President Nicolás Maduro’s authoritarian regime, where streets were marred by violence, and basic necessities like food and healthcare were scarce. Salazar, then 39, saw her production as a form of silent protest-an act of resistance through art.
“My most profound form of protest was to bring ‘Les Mis’ to a country living ‘Les Mis,'” she reflects.
Despite facing numerous obstacles-power outages during rehearsals and threats of violence that compelled her to temporarily retreat to London-the production eventually premiered at the Teatro Teresa Carreño. The show’s opening was met with overwhelming enthusiasm, with most of its 12 performances selling out. The cast, many of whom had experienced the hardships of their homeland firsthand, felt a deep connection to the story. “They came from the streets to the stage,” Salazar notes, “fully aware of what they were portraying to the audience.”
An audience member’s comment encapsulated the emotional impact: “Siento libertad”-I feel freedom.
“Les Misérables”: A Musical That Transcends Generations and Borders
Since its debut in London in 1985, “Les Misérables” has touched the hearts of over 130 million viewers worldwide, spanning four decades. Based on Victor Hugo’s 1862 novel, the musical’s themes of justice, sacrifice, and hope continue to resonate. Recently, President Donald Trump expressed admiration for the show, praising its music and storytelling ahead of its return to the Kennedy Center, where it marked the first major Broadway musical tour since his presidency began. The event was also notable for a fundraising effort that included ticket prices soaring up to $2 million, with some cast members choosing to boycott the event.
While some perceive a disconnect between the show’s core values and Trump’s political stance, others see “Les Mis” as a mirror reflecting universal struggles-be it hope amid despair or the fight for justice. For many, the musical offers a portal to a more compassionate world, much like how “The West Wing” provided a liberal sanctuary during turbulent political times.
Regional Perspectives: Politics and Personalities in “Les Misérables”
The tour’s journey through America’s diverse political landscape reveals how deeply the story resonates across ideological lines. In Toledo, Ohio-a Democratic stronghold in a shifting red state-audiences found their political sentiments reinforced. Will Lawson, a retired hairdresser, recalled how the musical’s themes of resistance and resilience echoed his experiences during the AIDS crisis of the late 1980s. “Every time I see it, I’m reminded of the importance of standing up against cruelty,” he said.
Similarly, Jerri Carpenter, a ride-share driver from Michigan, drew parallels between Jean Valjean’s wrongful accusations and the political climate, suggesting that the protagonist’s struggles mirror those of individuals unfairly targeted or persecuted. Grant Parson, a former autoworker and supporter of conservative causes, connected the lyric “the blood of the martyrs will water the meadows of France” to the broader narrative of revolutionary sacrifice, referencing Thomas Jefferson’s famous assertion that “the tree of liberty must be refreshed with the blood of patriots and tyrants.”
Meanwhile, Toledo resident Donna Winchester expressed skepticism about accusations of political bias in the musical, emphasizing that “the songs are universally great,” regardless of political leanings.
Contemporary Echoes: “Les Misérables” and Modern Political Discourse
The themes of hardship and rebellion in “Les Mis” often evoke current events. When prisoners sing “Look down, look down, you’re here until you die,” some on the left might think of immigration detention centers, where individuals are held under harsh conditions. Conversely, those on the right might recall the January 6 Capitol riot, where detained protesters sang “The Star-Spangled Banner.” The musical’s depiction of student uprisings and law enforcement clashes can also be linked to recent protests against immigration policies and police brutality.
The plight of characters like Fantine, who is forced to give up her child or falls ill, can be seen as a critique of policies that favor the wealthy-such as recent tax reforms that, according to the Congressional Budget Office, could strip health insurance from millions of low-income Americans.
“Les Misérables”: A Universal Call for Mercy and Justice
According to David Bellos, a Princeton scholar and author of “The Novel of the Century,” the core message of “Les Misérables” is fundamentally opposed to the cruelty often associated with current political administrations. The story advocates for charity and mercy, illustrating how laws devoid of compassion can become unjust and absurd.
The musical’s anthem, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”-originally inspired by the 1832 Parisian uprising-has become an international rallying cry for protest movements in Belarus, the Philippines, Turkey, and South Korea. Its message of collective resistance continues to inspire global activism, much like the Occupy movement or the Arab Spring.
Cultural and Political Controversies
Despite its universal appeal, “Les Misérables” has also been embroiled in political controversies. In 2002, the Chinese government invited the musical to be its first full-scale Western production, largely due to Victor Hugo’s popularity in China. However, after protest movements in Hong Kong in 2014 and 2019, Chinese authorities reportedly banned the show’s iconic anthem from streaming platforms, reflecting the song’s power to inspire dissent.
In the United States, the show’s music has been co-opted for political purposes. During his 2016 campaign, Donald Trump used “Do You Hear the People Sing?” as his entrance music at a rally in Miami, despite the producers’ disapproval and lack of permission. The song was also performed at the White House during the 2022 State of the Union address, with the Trump administration’s supporters praising its patriotic symbolism.
The Enduring Legacy of “Les Misérables”
From its origins as a literary masterpiece to its status as a global cultural phenomenon, “Les Misérables” continues to inspire and challenge audiences worldwide. Its themes of social justice, resilience, and mercy remain relevant, transcending political boundaries and cultural divides. As Salazar notes, “Art belongs to all of us,” and its power to unite, inspire, and provoke change endures-whether in the streets of Caracas or the theaters of Broadway.
