Lin-Manuel Miranda Delivered A Powerful, Teary Sonnet About Orlando At The Tony Awards

The 70th annual Tony Awards, currently underway in the US, have dedicated their ceremony to the victims of the horrific act of violence which occurred in an LGBT nightclub overnight in Orlando, Florida. It is the deadliest mass shooting in the US to date, leaving 50 people dead and 53 more injured.

In the show’s opening segment, host James Corden delivered a solemn address stating “hate will never win”. “Together, we have to make sure of that [and] tonight’s show stands as a symbol and a celebration of that principle.” “Your tragedy is our tragedy,” he said, speaking to those directly and indirectly affected by the attack. “Theatre is a place where every race, creed, sexuality and gender is equal, embraced and loved.”

This is a sentiment which has continued throughout the show. Guests are wearing silver ribbons made by Broadway costume designer William Ivey Long to stand in solidarity with victims. A performance from the cast of Hamilton continued without muskets. Stars including Laura Benanti have stated their performances will be “in remembrance of the lives taken”. Countless others have shown their support for the decision to continue the awards, declaring the show a beacon of happiness and strength for LGBT communities.

I hope gay kids scared by Orlando watch the #TonyAwards tonight to see countless successful, empowered, Out Queer people loving each other.

— Andy Mientus (@andymientus) June 12, 2016

But perhaps none of these tributes have been as affecting as that from Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda. While accepting his award for Best Score, Miranda delivered a powerful sonnet about love and equality which left him and many members of the audience in tears.

Here’s the full text:

My wife’s the reason anything gets done.
She nudges me towards promise by degrees.
She is a perfect symphony of one.
Our son is her most beautiful reprise.
We chase the melodies that seem to find us
Until they’re finished songs and start to play.
When senseless acts of tragedy remind us
That nothing here is promised, not one day
This show is proof that history remembers.
We live through times when hate and fear seem stronger.
We rise and fall, and light from dying embers
Remembrances that hope and love last longer.
And love is love is love is love is love is love is love is love;
Cannot be killed or swept aside.
I sing Vanessa’s symphony; Eliza tells her story.
Now fill the world with music, love, and pride.