‘The Wiz’ Artist Statement
The Wiz was first produced by Ken Harper at the Majestic Theatre on January 5, 1975. Originally intended as a fresh, Black take on The Wizard of Oz, it quickly became a groundbreaking production, blending soul, gospel, and blues music with Broadway flair and design. The musical went on to win seven Tony Awards and is recognized as the first mainstream Black musical to achieve such a feat.
When I think of The Wiz, I think of my youth—of finding my creative voice and passion through watching countless versions of this musical. It’s a story of friendship, family, and growth. Yet, I also think about how I’ve rarely seen this musical reimagined in new ways. In recent years, productions seem to rely heavily on video walls and costume design to define the setting. I saw this as an opportunity—a challenge—to do justice to the piece and create a set design that builds an entirely new world.
At its core, the story centers on Dorothy’s coming-of-age journey. Her desire to return home propels us into a magical world filled with danger, desire, and at times, destruction. In many ways, it’s also a story about reaching for things we already possess. We follow Dorothy and her crew on their quest to receive gifts from the Wiz—gifts they had within themselves all along. With the power of community and support, Dorothy is able to navigate this strange land and ultimately find her way home.
As I began to imagine the design, I found myself replaying the song “Home” again and again. I thought about what it feels like to lose your home—and to have to find your way back. When something happens beyond your control, when there’s no clear path forward—what do you follow? Who do you depend on? Where do you go for help?
These questions led me to the catastrophic natural disaster of 2005—Hurricane Katrina. I have many friends who were children living in New Orleans during that time, forced to flee their homes and relocate to unfamiliar cities. They were called “Katrina babies,” young people who never returned to the land they once knew. My version of The Wiz aims to center their voices—and the voices of the people of New Orleans.
The musical opens in the vibrant Lower Ninth Ward. The neighborhood is full of life, music, and community. As brass band music plays, the audience is welcomed into this world, alive with joy, laughter, and movement.
Then Hurricane Katrina hits, abruptly altering the mood. A storm of wind, lightning, and flooding sweeps Dorothy into a surreal, dreamlike version of New Orleans—one that resembles the city two weeks after the storm. This world, warped by trauma and grief, reflects the aftermath of disaster. Themes of failed government aid, neighborhood inequality, and self-reliance echo throughout the piece. A once-vibrant cultural hub becomes a storm-ravaged landscape, filled with characters struggling to rebuild their lives. Dorothy’s journey becomes one of discovering strength and identity through culture, memory, music—and the enduring spirit of The Wiz.
I followed through with this concept because of the power and beauty in these stories, and the truth that can be shared onstage. It occurred to me late in the process that The Wiz film was originally created as a political statement on the dystopian condition of New York City. I’ve made it my mission to carry that spirit forward. Sim Carpenter’s The Wiz honors the resilience and soul of New Orleans, while also confronting the real, lasting impact of Hurricane Katrina.
