Wednesday, September 06, 2023
Schele Williams, the Directing Whiz Behind the New ‘Wiz’ and ‘Aida’
AMERICAN THEATRE: Williams, a busy actor, director, and author, has recently been tasked with giving new life to two beloved Broadway classics, Aida and The Wiz. As a member of the original Broadway cast of Aida, and growing up on the story of The Wiz, Williams understands the weight these stories hold in the Broadway canon, and especially in the context of Black culture. She is passionate about continuing the tradition by passing down these tales to the next generation, but she is aiming to ensure that both of these new iterations resonate with audiences as they once did with her.
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Schele Williams taking the helm for both "The Wiz" and "Aida" on Broadway is undoubtedly an exciting prospect. While I may not be familiar with her work, her passion and perspective on these iconic shows, as highlighted in the article, have instantly made her someone worth following. Her statement, "If we're relying on race to tell 50 percent of the story, then we've gotten very lazy in our storytelling," strikes a chord. These musicals are beloved classics, but their significance in the context of Black culture on Broadway cannot be understated. Williams' commitment to rewriting these narratives to emphasize the humanity of each character is both timely and essential. In a world where representation and authenticity matter greatly, her approach promises to breathe new life into these stories. By delving deeper into the characters' experiences and universal themes, she is not only honoring their legacies but also making them more relevant and relatable for today's audiences.
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