The Good, the Bad, and the "Wicked"

Last updated on: October 1, 2008 at 8:13 am by Richard Clark

The Good, the Bad, and the "Wicked" 2008-10-01T08:13:53-06:00 Richard Clark

LOGO Patheos Explore the world's faith through different perspectives on religion and spirituality! Patheos has the views of the prevalent religions and spiritualities of the world.

Theater – musical theatre in particular – is a genre known more for its artistic craft than its artistic depth. Most people think of musicals as a showcase for fun, catchy songs and fascinating stories. Rarely are they viewed as an opportunity for confrontation or subversion.

And yet, subversion may very well be what musical theatre does best. The Music Man takes aim at small town close-mindedness and legalism, Rent attacks those who sell out their art for the sake of a buck, and Sweeney Todd strikes at the heart of our assumptions about human nature.

Wicked takes that musical subversion to a new level. The tale of the Wicked Witch of the West (real name: Elphaba) and how she came to gain such a moniker begins with a familiar scene in which all of Oz celebrates her death. The music seems heavy-handed and overbearing, and we quickly learn why: The citizens of Oz declare Elphaba wicked in order to distract from their own problems and injustices.

We understand going into the play that Elphaba is our heroine, but as we learn more we start to realize to what extent Elphaba was determined to do good. Meanwhile the musical plays with that word, “good” in various ways, causing to reconsider not just the way we use the word but the way we think of the concept itself.

The musical nature of the genre is used to demonstrate how horrific concepts can sometimes seem grand and seductive. Frightening or unscrupulous sentiments are sung with catchy, fun melodies. Wistful and exciting tunes describe the nature of hatred that is allowed to run free without limits.

Our admiration for Elphaba only grows as she consistently chooses to do what is truly good in the face of trial, tribulation, and those who claim she is doing evil. Elphaba learns too late, though, that while she may be able to do good, she can’t trust herself (or anyone else) to be good:

One question haunts and hurts
Too much, too much to mention:
Was I really seeking good
Or just seeking attention?
Is that all good deeds are
When looked at with an ice-cold eye?
If that’s all good deeds are
Maybe that’s the reason why
No good deed goes unpunished

Elphaba is onto something. We are a corrupt people, and even the best things we do are wrought with wickedness and selfishness. The tragic tale of the Wicked Witch of the West is the tale of one who is well aware of this concept for herself but unaware that it applies to everyone else as well.

But the even more tragic tale belongs to Glinda and the citizens of Oz. The citizens spend the bulk of the play distracting themselves from their own wickedness by dehumanizing Elphaba and virtually worshipping Glinda. Glinda, in a desperate attempt to reinforce a lie, ends the play by giving herself a new name: Glinda the Good.

Featured

Headline

Previous Post

September 30, 2008

Nothing to Say? Then Stop Using Media

Next Post

October 1, 2008 What is art without beauty?

Browse Our Archives

Select a Category Asides Elsewhere Featured Film Games General Culture Headline Literature Music Of the Moment Podcast Politics RetroPost Sports Technology Television Uncategorized Viral

Select a Month February 2014 January 2014 December 2013 November 2013 October 2013 September 2013 August 2013 July 2013 June 2013 May 2013 April 2013 March 2013 February 2013 January 2013 December 2012 November 2012 October 2012 September 2012 August 2012 July 2012 June 2012 May 2012 April 2012 March 2012 February 2012 January 2012 December 2011 November 2011 October 2011 September 2011 August 2011 July 2011 June 2011 May 2011 April 2011 March 2011 February 2011 January 2011 December 2010 November 2010 October 2010 September 2010 August 2010 July 2010 June 2010 May 2010 April 2010 March 2010 February 2010 January 2010 December 2009 November 2009 October 2009 September 2009 August 2009 July 2009 June 2009 May 2009 April 2009 March 2009 February 2009 January 2009 December 2008 November 2008 October 2008 September 2008 August 2008 July 2008 June 2008 May 2008 April 2008 March 2008 February 2008 January 2008 December 2007 November 2007

TAKE THE

Religious Wisdom Quiz