We step behind Broadway's emerald curtain to explore Wicked with two leading scholars. The University of Kansas' Paul Laird, professor emeritus of musicology, received unprecedented access as Stephen Schwartz composed his blockbuster musical and wrote the definitive book on its making, Wicked: a Musical Biography. His colleague Jane Barnette is a professor of theater & dance and the author of Witch Fulfillment: Adaptation Dramaturgy and Casting the Witch for Stage and Screen. She reveals how the evolving story of Oz has redefined witchcraft in modern theater. In this engaging discussion, we prepare for the film while learning more about the book and musical that changed how we see good, evil, and female power and friendship. Article: KU experts comment on ‘Wicked’ film adaptation

Play Episode:Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch

Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch explores the nuanced and powerful portrayal of witches in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. Witch Hunt podcast hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack delve into their immediate reactions and the deeper social themes conveyed through the film

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Wicked Movie: The Making of a Witch explores the nuanced and powerful portrayal of witches in the highly anticipated Wicked movie. Witch Hunt podcast hosts Josh Hutchinson and Sarah Jack delve into their immediate reactions and the deeper social themes conveyed through the film. From the breath-catching spectacle of Galinda's grand entrance to the heartbreaking social justice undertones surrounding Elphaba's journey, this podcast dissects the movie’s profound commentary on othering, power dynamics, and societal hypocrisies. Alongside enthusiastic discussions of standout scenes involving musical numbers, stunts, and emotional turns, Josh and Sarah provide a thorough examination of how the Wicked movie redefines classic witch stereotypes and resonates with contemporary issues. The podcast is an unmissable treat for fans of Wicked, Oz, and beyond, offering a thoughtful and passionate examination of one of the year's most magical films.

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We explore the urgent human rights crisis affecting people with albinism in Africa. Expert guest Jay Mohammed Osman Kamara, Executive Director of the Sierra Leone Association of Persons with Albinism (SLAPWA), discusses protecting persons with albinism and the critical significance of UN Resolution 47/8 on eliminating harmful practices related to witchcraft accusations and ritual attacks. Drawing from his experiences and presentation at the Witchcraft and Human Rights Conference, Kamara reveals how deeply-rooted supernatural beliefs fuel deadly misconceptions, discrimination, and ritual attacks against persons with albinism. The conversation examines SLAPWA's grassroots advocacy, community education initiatives, and protection strategies, while highlighting how the climate crisis creates extreme vulnerabilities for the albinism community. Learn about the critical need for enhanced data collection, stronger government protections, and international cooperation in safeguarding persons with albinism. Content warning: This episode contains discussions of discrimination, violence, and suicide. Crisis support resources - United States: call/text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org; United Kingdom: call 111 or text SHOUT to 85258; Canada: call/text 988; Sierra Leone: dial 019.

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email: slapwa.sl@gmail.com

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This is Lancaster Podcast: Witchcraft Accusation in the Modern World