Jonathan Larson’s groundbreaking 1996 rock opera, RENT delves into timeless themes of love, loss, and friendship, resonating deeply across generations. At UH Mānoa, new Assistant Professor of Acting Joshua “Baba” Tavares’ presents a unique interpretation of this iconic musical, drawing profound parallels to our contemporary reality.

While rooted in the AIDS crisis of the 80s and 90s, RENT‘s narrative transcends time, addressing pressing issues of today. Amidst the aftermath of the global pandemic and the ongoing challenges of COVID-19, we confront similar struggles depicted in the musical: the escalating cost of living, homelessness, displacement, mental health crises, and substance abuse.

RENT offers a compelling exploration of self-discovery amidst adversity. At its heart, this story poses a poignant question: how do we measure our lives?