More than 50 years after its debut in Memphis, the countercultural rock musical "Hair" is still sparking conversation. On Friday, the University of Memphis Department of Music hosted How "Hair" Changed Memphis in the McWherter Library, a lecture exploring how the campus production challenged norms and left a lasting mark on the city.
The event, led by assistant professor of musicology Ewelina Boczkowska, explored the controversial impact of the musical "Hair" when it came to Memphis in 1970. About 45 people attended, including University of Memphis students, staff, and alumni.
In March of 1970, the University of Memphis theater department staged a production of “Hair”, which stirred controversy and left a profound impact on the city. “Hair” caught the attention of the public due to their eclectic costumes, long hair, and countercultural, peacetime themes.
Among those in attendance Friday was Walter Stevens, 75, who was a graduate student at the University of Memphis in 1970 and saw the musical firsthand.
“I was hearing a lot of chatter on campus about Hair coming to campus and wanted to see what all the talk was about,” Stevens said.
Stevens believes that the musical did an exceptional job of showing diversity and how people can connect no matter what the circumstances are. He recalled that the performance sparked campus-wide discussion and even made its way into the classroom.
“It didn’t take long for my instructors and my graduate classes to find out I attended 'Hair'. I had one day in curriculum development where we discussed the show. My wife and I had a great time,” Stevens said.
The production of “Hair” greatly impacted not only those on campus, but the entire city of Memphis. The musical created social progress within the city of Memphis and lessened the divide between people in the city. Bridges were built, differences put aside, and the show opened the door for necessary conversations to happen.
The effect that “Hair” had on Memphis has lasted for generations and has gained the interest of the college students of today. Sasha Collins, a freshman history major, said she has been fascinated with the musical since high school.
“I don’t believe Hair gets talked about enough among people in my age group,” said Collins. “I truly believe that when people saw Hair, it influenced people of all backgrounds to come together and fellowship.”
Carter Burton can be contacted at cmbrton4@memphis.edu.
