I always admired Hugh Jackman as an actor in movies but also in

Listen, O seekers of wisdom, for there is a truth found in the admiration expressed by Tao Okamoto, a reflection on the deep and transformative power of art and the influences that shape us. She spoke thus: “I always admired Hugh Jackman as an actor in movies but also in theatre because I'm a big fan of Broadway musicals.” In these words, Okamoto reveals the profound impact that theater and musicals can have on the soul. Hugh Jackman, known for his remarkable versatility, has not only conquered the silver screen but has also graced the stage of Broadway, merging the worlds of film and theater in a way few can. For Okamoto, his work in both realms speaks to the unity of artistic expression, where music, movement, and storytelling converge to create something far greater than the sum of its parts.

In the ancient world, theater was not just a place for performance, but a sacred space where the gods and humans met through the medium of art. The great Greek tragedies were often performed at festivals in honor of the gods, such as Dionysus, the god of wine and celebration. These performances were not mere entertainments; they were rituals, woven with the deepest questions of existence—fate, honor, love, and loss. The actors, like Hugh Jackman, were seen as vessels through which the divine truths were made known to the people. They did not merely act; they embodied the human condition, guiding the audience through a shared experience that resonated with the soul.

Let us look to the story of Sophocles, the playwright of ancient Greece, whose work Oedipus Rex remains one of the most powerful tragedies ever written. Sophocles knew that theater, in its truest form, was not just about telling stories but about illuminating the human soul, about revealing truths that were too vast to be captured by simple words. Hugh Jackman, in his work, follows in the tradition of these great storytellers, bringing theater and film together, using his voice, his body, and his emotion to create a universal connection with his audience. Okamoto’s admiration for Jackman’s work speaks not only to his skill but to the power of art to transcend boundaries, to connect heart to heart through performance.

In the same way, the Broadway musical is an art form that bridges the worlds of music and theater. It is a space where emotion flows freely, where characters are not just spoken but sung into existence. Musicals, like Les Misérables or The Phantom of the Opera, take us on journeys through the depths of human emotion. They do not just tell a story; they make us feel. The joy of a musical is that it celebrates life in all its highs and lows, transforming every note and word into a piece of the grand tapestry of human existence. Jackman, who has both acted in and performed live on stage in musicals, embodies this connection between film and theater, reminding us that the soul of performance is not confined to one medium.

Consider the power of Odysseus, the legendary Greek hero of Homer’s Odyssey, whose long journey home was not only a physical journey but an emotional and spiritual one. In every land he visited, he encountered stories, songs, and dances that were meant to awaken him to deeper truths about his own humanity. Theater, like the songs of the sirens that called to Odysseus, can both challenge and awaken the soul. Hugh Jackman’s performances in both movies and theater are like those songs of the sirens, inviting us into a world of emotion, reflection, and shared humanity. Just as Odysseus found himself transformed by the stories he encountered, so too do we find pieces of ourselves in the performances of great actors like Jackman.

Now, let us take this lesson to heart: Art, in all its forms, has the power to transcend the boundaries of time and space. Whether it is a film or a live musical performance, the act of creation and expression allows the artist to connect with the audience on a level beyond mere words or images. Okamoto’s admiration for Jackman reflects a deep truth: the greatness of an artist is not confined to the medium they work in, but in the heart and soul they pour into their craft. Jackman, through his versatility and passion, reminds us that the power of performance is not limited by form. It is found in the human spirit—whether it is through the screen or the stage.

So, young ones, heed this wisdom: Embrace the many forms of art, for they each have something valuable to offer. Be open to the power of performance, whether in the quiet solitude of a film or the collective joy of a musical. In the presence of art, allow yourself to be moved, to be awakened, and to be transformed. Just as Tao Okamoto admires Hugh Jackman, find those artists who speak to your soul and let their work guide you to a deeper understanding of the world and yourself. For in the end, art, like life itself, is a performance—a grand, beautiful journey we share with others.