For a Young Gay American Writer, Matthew López's Play 'The Inheritance' Was a Journey of Self-Discovery
At just 16 when he took on the role of EM Forster in Matthew López's groundbreaking play "The Inheritance", writer Paul Hilton was navigating his own coming-out journey amidst the Aids crisis. The world premiere at London's Young Vic theatre marked a pivotal moment, allowing him to confront the struggles he had previously suppressed.
Hilton recounts how the play's unconventional rehearsal process, with director Stephen Daldry and writer Matthew López collaborating on a piece-by-piece basis, drew him in like nothing else. Over two nights, the characters' stories unfold, echoing EM Forster's own life and legacy as a repressed, closeted figure who finds his voice through the lens of contemporary America.
Playing not just one but two characters - the historical Forster and a fearless American struggling with Aids - Hilton found himself immersed in Forster's world, pouring over his writings to get into character. The connection felt almost spiritual to him, an experience akin to communion that left a profound impact on those watching.
As "The Inheritance" made its way from the Young Vic to Broadway and then West End theatres, it underwent significant structural changes under López's guidance. Yet despite these transformations, Hilton believes López managed to distill the essence of Forster's message - one of embracing the authenticity that often got lost in fear and repression.
For Hilton, being at the heart of this production was transformative. It marked a point where he could confront his own identity head-on, allowing him to shed aspects of himself he had previously suppressed. The play became an intimate exploration of what it means to live authentically - an experience that continues to shape his life and artistic journey.
"The Inheritance" serves as more than just a work of theatre; it is an exercise in human transformation, where characters confront their deepest fears and discover the power of self-expression. Its profound impact on Hilton's own life testifies to López's remarkable gift for reinventing Forster's story for a modern audience, illuminating new paths forward with compassion and understanding.
At its core, "The Inheritance" represents an attempt by Lopez to channel Forster's legacy into a contemporary narrative - one that invites us all to rediscover ourselves in the face of adversity.
At just 16 when he took on the role of EM Forster in Matthew López's groundbreaking play "The Inheritance", writer Paul Hilton was navigating his own coming-out journey amidst the Aids crisis. The world premiere at London's Young Vic theatre marked a pivotal moment, allowing him to confront the struggles he had previously suppressed.
Hilton recounts how the play's unconventional rehearsal process, with director Stephen Daldry and writer Matthew López collaborating on a piece-by-piece basis, drew him in like nothing else. Over two nights, the characters' stories unfold, echoing EM Forster's own life and legacy as a repressed, closeted figure who finds his voice through the lens of contemporary America.
Playing not just one but two characters - the historical Forster and a fearless American struggling with Aids - Hilton found himself immersed in Forster's world, pouring over his writings to get into character. The connection felt almost spiritual to him, an experience akin to communion that left a profound impact on those watching.
As "The Inheritance" made its way from the Young Vic to Broadway and then West End theatres, it underwent significant structural changes under López's guidance. Yet despite these transformations, Hilton believes López managed to distill the essence of Forster's message - one of embracing the authenticity that often got lost in fear and repression.
For Hilton, being at the heart of this production was transformative. It marked a point where he could confront his own identity head-on, allowing him to shed aspects of himself he had previously suppressed. The play became an intimate exploration of what it means to live authentically - an experience that continues to shape his life and artistic journey.
"The Inheritance" serves as more than just a work of theatre; it is an exercise in human transformation, where characters confront their deepest fears and discover the power of self-expression. Its profound impact on Hilton's own life testifies to López's remarkable gift for reinventing Forster's story for a modern audience, illuminating new paths forward with compassion and understanding.
At its core, "The Inheritance" represents an attempt by Lopez to channel Forster's legacy into a contemporary narrative - one that invites us all to rediscover ourselves in the face of adversity.
I just read that 40% of the world's coral reefs have been destroyed or severely degraded 
and it's getting to the point where scientists are warning us that we might not be able to recover from this environmental disaster 
this play is literally life-changing 
I mean, Paul Hilton's experience with playing EM Forster and his own character was INSANE 
it's like he went from being lost to finding himself, you feel? The way Matthew López reimagined Forster's story for the modern era is pure GENIUS 
I love how it tackles themes of identity, fear, and self-expression in a way that's both authentic and accessible. It's not just a play, it's an EXPERIENCE 
. It just goes to show that art can be such a powerful tool for self-discovery and healing 
. I love how the play's unconventional rehearsal process allowed Hilton to connect with EM Forster's story on a deep level, it's like he was able to tap into something much bigger than himself 
. And I think that's what makes 'The Inheritance' so special - it's not just a play about coming out, but about finding the courage to be yourself in a world that can sometimes try to hold you back 
.
I think it's amazing how Matthew López was able to take EM Forster's story and turn it into something so relevant for today's audience, especially for the LGBTQ+ community 
. The way Paul Hilton was able to connect with the characters and find his own identity through playing multiple roles is truly inspiring 
. It just goes to show how theatre can be such a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth 
. I also love how López managed to keep the essence of Forster's message intact despite making some structural changes, it's like he distills his story into this beautiful, timeless piece that continues to resonate with people 
.
.
. I mean, coming-of-age stories are always my fave and this one's like, so real 
. I need to see this play ASAP!
i love how hilton was able to tap into his own experiences & bring that to life on stage, it's like he was channelin Forster himself 
anyway, this play is more than just a show, it's a reminder that we all gotta be brave enough 2 be ourselves, no matter what! 
I love how the director and writer worked together to create this special experience for the actors and the audience... it's like a beautiful dance, man! 
The message of self-expression and embracing your true self is so powerful... I feel like I've been reading this play every day since I first found out about it 
it's like, the most beautiful thing ever - taking a historical figure's story and making it relatable to our modern struggles. i'm obsessed with how it helped paul find himself and his place in the world. it's all about embracing your true self and finding strength in vulnerability