Objective

By the end of this lesson, Tahlia will have a deeper understanding of the themes, characters, and historical context of the musical "Wicked." She will also explore connections between the musical and various subjects including art, literature, history, and music, while developing her critical thinking and creative skills.

Materials and Prep

• Notebook and pen for taking notes and writing reflections.
• Access to the soundtrack of "Wicked" (streaming or CD).
• Art supplies (colored pencils, markers, paper) for creative projects.
• Internet access for research on the historical context of the Wizard of Oz.
• Preparation: Familiarize yourself with the main songs and characters of "Wicked." Listen to the soundtrack in advance to enhance discussion.

Activities

• Character Analysis: Tahlia will choose a character from "Wicked" (such as Elphaba or Glinda) and create a character profile. This will include their motivations, relationships, and development throughout the story. She can illustrate the character and write a short paragraph explaining her choices.

• Theme Exploration: Tahlia will identify key themes in "Wicked," such as friendship, prejudice, and the nature of good and evil. She will write a reflective piece on how these themes are relevant in today's society, providing examples from her own life or current events.

• Musical Analysis: After listening to select songs from the soundtrack, Tahlia will analyze the lyrics and discuss how they contribute to the characters' development and the overall story. She can choose a favorite song and create a poster that highlights its key messages.

• Historical Context Research: Tahlia will research the historical context of the Wizard of Oz and how it relates to the themes in "Wicked." She can create a timeline that includes key events in history that influenced the story, such as social issues during the early 20th century.

• Physical Movement: Tahlia will learn a simple dance routine from one of the musical numbers. This will not only be fun but also help her understand the physical expression of the story through movement.

Talking Points

• "What do you think makes Elphaba such a compelling character? Consider her struggles and how they might mirror real-life challenges."
• "How do the themes of friendship and betrayal play out in the musical? Can you relate them to any of your own experiences?"
• "Listen closely to the lyrics of 'Defying Gravity.' What message do you think the song conveys about personal empowerment?"
• "In what ways does 'Wicked' challenge our perceptions of good and evil? Can you think of examples in literature or media that do the same?"
• "What historical events or social issues do you think influenced the creation of 'Wicked'? How do they resonate with today's society?"
• "How does the music in 'Wicked' enhance the storytelling? Can you think of a moment in the musical where the music really stands out?"
• "What role does humor play in 'Wicked'? How does it balance the more serious themes?"
• "Think about Glinda's character. How does her journey differ from Elphaba's? What does this say about societal expectations?"
• "If you could change one thing about the story, what would it be and why?"
• "How do the visual elements of the production (costumes, set design) contribute to the overall experience of 'Wicked'?"
• "What message do you think the creators of 'Wicked' want to convey to the audience? How does this relate to your own life?"
• "How can music and art be used as tools for social change? Can you think of any modern examples?"
• "What was your favorite part of the musical? Why did it resonate with you?"
• "Discuss the importance of representation in theater. How does 'Wicked' address this?"
• "If you could meet one character from 'Wicked,' who would it be and what would you ask them?"