Googerewon Knox is set to make history by portraying George Washington in the upcoming Sydney production of ‘Hamilton’. Returning to the stage this month, the Gamilaraay actor will take on the role of the first President of the United States in what is widely regarded as the biggest musical in the world. Gamilaraay Actor Googerewon Knox to Portray George Washington in ‘Hamilton’
“It’s the biggest show in the world, and I get to play George Washington,” Knox shared with NITV. This role holds personal significance for Knox, who had previously auditioned for the role of James Madison during the musical’s initial Sydney run in 2021. Although he progressed far in the audition process, he ultimately lost the role to fellow Indigenous actor Shaka Cook.
Reflecting on his first encounter with ‘Hamilton’, Knox told The Guardian, “The first time I heard of Hamilton, I was like, this is the coolest thing ever. I love rapping and I also love musicals. When someone told me it was a musical done with rap, I was like ‘no way!'”
Determined to secure a role, Knox pursued more workshops and gained experience, preparing for the show’s return. When he saw an opportunity to audition for George Washington, he eagerly seized it. “I was super keen!”
Making History
‘Hamilton’ creator Lin-Manuel Miranda envisioned the musical with an all-Black/Latino cast. Knox will be the first Indigenous Australian to portray George Washington, following in the footsteps of Māori actor Matu Ngaropo, who played the role in 2021.
“I think it’s important to see a First Nations fella doing such a big thing,” Knox said. “I want to be that inspiration for people. I’m not just doing it for me – it’s for everyone who thinks they’ve got what it takes and is willing to give it a shot.”
A New Challenge
Washington is a major character in the show, and this will be Knox’s first musical theatre performance. “That was a huge surprise,” he told NITV. “A happy surprise: he’s got all the ballads! He gets to sing big. So I was like, ‘I wanna do that.'”
Knox previously portrayed George Rrurrambu in ‘Big Name No Blankets’, a rock and roll theatre show about the Warumpi Band, during the recent Sydney Festival. While his stage experience is limited, he has appeared in screen roles such as Stan’s ‘Black Snow’ and SBS’s ‘While the Men are Away’.
A Legacy of Musical Excellence
Knox comes from a family with a rich musical heritage. His grandfather, Roger Knox, known as the “Blak Elvis” and “Koori King of Country,” is a star of country music. This tradition continues with his father, Buddy, a Blues guitarist. On his mother’s side, his grandmother Auriel Andrew made history as the first Aboriginal woman to grace television screens in the early 1970s on ‘Reg Lindsay’s Country and Western Hour’.
Despite his family’s achievements, Knox never felt pressured to pursue the arts, discovering his natural talent for performing on stage at a young age. He appreciates the unwavering support from his family, which has been a significant source of encouragement throughout his career.
“This is the biggest step of my career!” Knox told NITV.
Event Details
‘Hamilton 2024’ will run from 30 July to 6 August at the Sydney Lyric Theatre. Don’t miss the chance to witness Googerewon Knox in this groundbreaking role.
The National Indigenous Cultural Centre (NICC) is an Indigenous home.
We provide Indigenous products, music, art and news.
If you want Indigenous gifts and merchandise, bush tucker food at your next event or Indigenous entertainment at your next party, expo or conference, feel free to contact us!
Visit our page: https://nicc.org.au/
Tony Clemenger.
Chief Executive Officer.
Tel: 0419431649.
Level 1 397 Chapel Street South Yarra 3141.