Interdisciplinary Trump Panel

On Friday, the Association of Amherst Students (AAS), in partnership with the political science department, hosted two interdisciplinary experts for the eighth iteration of its event, “Challenges to Democracy: Means of Resistance in the Trump Era.”

The event began with MaKenna P. Stewart 1402 Professor of Theater & Dance Joseph Bailey, who did not speak. Instead, he performed a one-man version of the musical Hamilton, including hits “Best of Wives and Best of Women,” “Cabinet Battle #2,” and “Overture.”

In a heart-wrenching performance of “Say No to This,” Bailey perfectly balanced the titular Alexander’s shy sleaze with Maria Reynolds’ tempting eroticism. As he seamlessly shifted between the characters, I found myself entranced — I entirely forgot he was pushing into his late 80s. “You’ve never seen a bastard orphan more in need of a break,” he crooned.

But Bailey’s range especially shined during show-stopper “Burn.” Having played the seductress and the seduced, Bailey turned to the victim, Eliza Hamilton. There was not a dry eye in Johnson Chapel as Bailey lit on fire what we later learned were his students’ essays.

Following the jaw-dropping finale, “Who Lives, Who Dies, Who Tells Your Story,” the audience erupted with thunderous applause. It lasted for 12 straight minutes, during which Bailey took a much-needed (and deserved) nap.

Due to Bailey’s extended performance, which lasted nearly three hours, Jacob T. Brunson 1942 Professor of Physics Rockwell MacBride did not have a chance to speak, and the Q&A portion of the night was canceled.

Correction, April 1, 2025: A previous version of this article misstated that the event featured Professor William Barnes. The actual performer was Professor Joseph Bailey.

Editor’s Note: This is a satirical article written for April Fool’s.