In times of uncertainty, many seek solace and positivity in art and culture. Revisiting the film ‘Hair’, a cinematic rendition of the iconic Broadway musical, offers a powerful dose of hope and resilience that feels remarkably pertinent even decades after its release. Produced over forty years ago, and based on a musical from even earlier, ‘Hair’ fearlessly tackled then-taboo subjects like war, drugs, bisexuality, interracial relationships, and the rejection of monogamy. Moreover, it championed feminism, challenged racism, and amplified the burgeoning voice of youth. At the heart of this cultural phenomenon lies the “Age of Aquarius” song, an anthem of its time that continues to resonate with its message of emancipation, freedom, creativity, and peace. It was, and remains, a powerful expression of rebellion against conflict, embodying a yearning for positivity and hope, powerfully encapsulated in the song’s plea to “Let the sunshine in“.
The narrative of ‘Hair’ centers on the contrasting journeys of Claude Hooper Bukowski, portrayed by John Savage, a young man from Oklahoma reminiscent of Steinbeck’s Joad family, arriving in New York City before his deployment to Vietnam, and George Berger, played by Treat Williams, a free-spirited hippie for whom life’s constraints seem nonexistent. George and his tribe inhabit Central Park, navigating the everyday realities of life alongside the psychedelic and the optimistic.
Their worlds collide when Claude encounters George and his friends. Their initial friction evolves into camaraderie as they explore drugs, chase after a wealthy girl seeking liberation from her privileged life, and even experience a brief stint in jail, orchestrated and escaped thanks to George’s ingenuity. However, Claude’s journey takes a turn as reality beckons, and he must confront his impending military service. This divergence in paths highlights the core conflict of the era – the individual’s aspiration for peace clashing with the societal pressures of war and conformity. From his Nevada military base, Claude’s letter to the girl he loves sets in motion a cross-country pursuit by George and the group, a 2000-mile odyssey echoing the themes of unity and shared ideals. The film’s poignant ending underscores the fragility of fate, reminding us how quickly fortunes can shift.
The themes explored in ‘Hair’, and particularly the hopeful message of the “Age Of Aquarius Song”, find a startling echo in the unpredictable nature of recent times. Just as the characters in ‘Hair’ faced a world in flux, we too have navigated unprecedented uncertainty. The “Age of Aquarius song” speaks to a desire for change and a better future, sentiments that are universally understood and perpetually relevant.
The rapid spread of a global virus has profoundly altered our perception of connection and freedom. It has tested our resilience and redefined concepts like ‘travel’, shifting the focus from physical journeys to introspective ones. The longing for a new era, a sentiment deeply embedded in the “Age of Aquarius song”, resonates strongly in a world grappling with limitations and a yearning for renewal.
As we look forward, the message of the “Age of Aquarius song” from ‘Hair’ serves as a potent reminder of the enduring human desire for hope, peace, and positive change. Even amidst restrictions and uncertainties, the spirit of seeking a brighter future, of letting the sunshine in, remains a powerful and vital force. The song encapsulates a yearning for a world transformed by understanding and harmony, a vision that continues to inspire and offer solace in our contemporary age.
