"Wicked" presents real-world political and social issues juxtaposed with a fantastical setting. It can be easy to get lost in the world of Oz and forget that, at its core, "Wicked" is a story of the struggle to be free. In this staged presentation, we will discuss the story of Nessarose, the Wicked Witch of the East. We will explore the ableism in Nessa's story, as well as the ways in which her story truly represents the disabled community.

Content warnings:

• Use of the slur "cripple"
• Discussion of ableism
• Discussion of fascism
• Discussion of childbirth/maternal mortality