As we move further into the 21st century, many aspects of our culture are rapidly changing, including the way we consume media and the issues that are most pressing to us. As a result, some works of art that were once groundbreaking and culturally significant may no longer resonate with audiences in the same way they once did. One such work is Rent, the hit musical that debuted on Broadway in 1996. While Rent may have been revolutionary for its time, it's become increasingly clear that the show is no longer relevant in 2023.

When Rent first premiered, it was praised for its representation of marginalized communities, particularly the LGBTQ+ community and people living with HIV AIDS. The show's frank discussions of sexuality, drug use, and illness were groundbreaking, and it was hailed as a landmark work of queer art. But in the years since Rent debuted, society has made significant progress in its attitudes towards LGBTQ+ people and HIV AIDS. Now, with advancements in medicine and treatment, HIV AIDS is no longer the death sentence it once was. While stigma and discrimination still exist, they are no longer as prevalent as they once were, and many people living with HIV AIDS are able to live long, fulfilling lives.

Rent's portrayal of poverty and struggle in New York City in the late 1980s and early 1990s now feels like a relic of a bygone era. While it's certainly true that many people still struggle with poverty and homelessness, the specific issues faced by the characters in Rent are no longer as pressing. The New York City of today is a vastly different place than it was in the 90s. Rising rents have forced many artists to move out of the city, and the East Village, in particular, has undergone significant gentrification. The struggles of artists today are very different from those portrayed in Rent.

Of course, it's important to remember that Rent was a groundbreaking work of art that helped to open up conversations about important issues. The show's legacy cannot be denied, and it will always have a place in the history of musical theater. But as we move further into the 21st century, it's becoming clear that Rent is no longer relevant in the same way it once was. Audiences today are looking for stories that reflect their own experiences and the issues they care about, and while Rent may have been revolutionary in its time, it's simply not resonating with audiences today. Rent's music, while once revolutionary, feels dated in 2023. The show's rock score, which was groundbreaking at the time, has since been replicated in countless other productions. What was once fresh and new now feels like a tired cliché.

In recent years, there has been a push for greater diversity and representation in the entertainment industry, and Rent's lack of diversity is noticeable. The show's cast of mostly white characters feels out of touch with the current cultural landscape and could be a barrier for younger audiences who value representation and inclusivity.

While Rent was once a cultural touchstone that spoke to the struggles of a generation, it has become increasingly clear that the show's relevance has diminished in the years since its debut. While the themes of artistic expression and individuality are still important, the issues that Rent addressed have evolved and changed in the intervening years. As we move further into the 21st century, it's time to acknowledge that while Rent was once groundbreaking, it no longer speaks to the experiences of modern audiences.

Vox | Thursday, 16 March 2023