By Michael Paulson
“The Warriors,” a film from 1979 depicting a band of gang members battling back to Brooklyn from the Bronx in New York, may not be the most violent film ever, but it’s certainly not child-friendly — upon its initial release, it faced accusations (based on rather flimsy proof) of inciting violence. Yet, Lin-Manuel Miranda found himself watching this movie at the age of 4, thanks to a friend’s older sibling.
While the experience was a bit frightening, the film made a lasting impression. Miranda, like many New Yorkers who grew up in the ’80s, cherishes the sights and sounds of a bygone city captured in the movie, along with its compassion for its characters. (If some gang members appear heroic, it’s worth noting that the tale, adapted from a novel by Sol Yurick, is inspired by an ancient Greek military account by Xenophon, titled “Anabasis.”)
Now, having transitioned to television and film, the “Hamilton” creator has dedicated the past two-plus years to collaborating with playwright and performer Eisa Davis to produce a “Warriors” concept album.
“You create the things that haunt you, and this one won’t leave me,” Miranda mentioned during a joint interview with Davis at the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.
The album debuted on Friday under Atlantic Records.
What is ‘The Warriors’ about?
Miranda provides a brief plot recap: “All the gangs of New York gather in the South Bronx for this historic peace summit. Cyrus, the influential leader orchestrating the meeting, is murdered. The assassin implicates the Warriors, forcing them to battle their way back to Coney [Island], while every gang in the city seeks to take them down.”
However, for him, the film encompasses more than just the storyline. “It’s a glimpse into a New York that lives in our memories. It’s this vibrant, surreal vision of New York that is genuinely captivating.”
Davis, who had heard of but never viewed the film before Miranda invited her to collaborate, described the narrative as “primal,” viewing it essentially as “a tale of courage.”
“It’s a fantasy in which you can fight your way home and succeed,” she stated.
Who is featured on the album?
With 35 main characters, there are numerous voices included. Lauryn Hill voices Cyrus, the peace-seeking gang leader whose assassination triggers the story’s events. Other notable contributors include Marc Anthony, Busta Rhymes, Nas, Cam’ron, RZA, Stephen Sanchez, Colman Domingo, and Ghostface Killah. The album also showcases several Broadway veterans such as Amber Gray, Casey Likes, Billy Porter, and Phillipa Soo.
What style do the songs embody?
The album features 26 tracks spanning over 80 minutes, produced by Mike Elizondo and executive produced by Nas, blending a variety of styles: rap and hip-hop, salsa and merengue, ska along with influences from ballroom culture, R&B, and funk. The boy band inspired gang introduces some KPOP elements as well. The opening lines of the album come from dancehall artist Shenseea, reflecting hip-hop’s Jamaican roots; she portrays a DJ with a somewhat narratorial presence in both the film and the album. There is even an infusion of metal, represented by Luther, voiced by Kim Dracula.
Why pursue a concept album and how did it develop?
Miranda admits that the very idea of an album is somewhat outdated. However, he expressed, “I’m attempting to recapture the feeling of listening to cast recordings as a child. For me, in addition to being a tribute to the movie, this is a love letter to those concept albums — ‘Tommy,’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway’ by Genesis.”
Miranda and Davis wish for listeners to engage with the album in its entirety.
“That’s not the sole option,” Davis noted, “but we want individuals to invest time in this voyage.”
Miranda reminisces about a 2009 email from a friend suggesting, “Warriors: The Musical?” He initially thought it was a terrible concept. “I replied, ‘I’m fond of “The Warriors.” It’ll never succeed. Here’s why.’” Yet, the idea had taken root, and Miranda mentioned that after concluding “Hamilton” and “Moana,” he contemplated, ‘What do I wish to create next?’ and ‘Warriors’ had become all-consuming. I was determined to discover how to make it work.”
Why are the Warriors female?
In the original film, the Warriors are depicted as male. In the album, they are transformed into women.
Miranda noted that his original inspiration stemmed from Gamergate — the online targeting of women within the gaming industry. “These very active online individuals were doxxing women simply for the sake of cruelty and disorder,” he recounted. “When that occurred, I thought, ‘That parallels Luther in Warriors. He guns down Cyrus, points at the Warriors, and claims they’re responsible, go after them. Instantly, the Warriors’ lives are shattered, and they must battle their way home with every man in the city aiming to kill them.’ That’s when I believe my mind started to shift the gender perspective.”
Davis has a different reference point — a gang summit in the Bronx in 1971 known as the Hoe Avenue peace meeting. “It’s incredibly poignant that such a peace discussion happened,” she remarked. However, she noted, “The women present at that meeting were relegated to the back, and gangs comprised of females were completely barred from participating. In some respects, I feel this serves as a validation for them.”
Miranda and Davis also envisioned their own version of New York gangs, addressing various shifts. “With all due respect,” Davis added, “the film contains a significant amount of misogyny and homophobia that may have been acceptable in 1979 for some viewers, but I cannot accept that.” Their Bizzies (inspired by the Lizzies, an all-female gang featured in the film) adopt boy-band characteristics, and their Turnbull ACs draw influence from the Fania All-Stars.
Will it transition to a stage production?
Currently, Miranda and Davis indicate that there is no director or producer linked to the project, and they are uncertain how to adapt the album for stage presentation. “We’re simply listening and allowing this to evolve,” Davis mentioned.
Miranda expressed a desire to “continue exploring it.”
“I cannot foresee how the world will react to this,” he shared. “I understand this was the most liberating route to delve into storytelling, and then we will see. If it concludes the moment it’s released, we’ve relished every moment spent creating this.”
