Language in the Musical Wicked

On Thursday, November 8, 2012, the University of Oregon School of Music and Dance will host professor Alice-Ann Darrow who will deliver a public lecture Language in the Musical Wicked. To give our audience some useful information about the lecture, Liner Notes took a chance to talk to professor Darrow about her event at the University of Oregon.

Liner Notes (LN): What is your talk “Language in the Musical Wicked” about?

Alice-Ann Darrow (AD): Actually the title is “What’s so wicked about Wicked.”  The premise of the talk is how disability is viewed in the lyrics of the musical, and in society in general.

LN: What are some points that your lecture will cover?

AD: The main point is that we must be aware of stereotypic views of disability played out in the media, mindful never to propagate these stereotypes in our teaching or writing, and most importantly, that we take advantage of every opportunity to highlight portrayals of persons with disabilities that are realistic and affirming.

LN: What is the most important thing that you hope the students and audience will learn after this public lecture?

AD: Disability is a matter of perception. If we view disabilities as tragic or pathetic, then we tend to view individuals with disabilities through the same lens.

LN: Why is it important for academics and students to study American musicals and other pop cultural musical forms?

AD: Musicals and other pop cultural musical forms are a reflection of our society, and we need to monitor how our society is portrayed.

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