Image illustrated by staff artist, Ellie Darby-Prangnell

Envision this scenario in the eyes of an able-bodied individual.

The house (which is the seating area, for you non-theatre nerds) is filled with hundreds of ecstatic theatre-goers ready to see the critically acclaimed musical, “Wicked.” Hundreds of people of every age are at the edge of their seats waiting for the house lights to dim.

You look to your left, and at the far edge of your row, is a young girl in a manual wheelchair. Her eyes are inflamed with enthusiasm while she frantically flips through the pages of her Playbill, patiently waiting. Your attention gets grasped by the bright lights dimming to nearly pitch darkness as the curtain slowly arises exposing the beautiful set.

As the opening musical number comes to an end, a new character is introduced to the intrigued audience; Nessarose, a beautiful young girl who uses a wheelchair. You quickly remember the young girl in your row and turn your head yet again to the left. Her eyes are even bigger, she sees herself in a character on stage. Someone who looks like her, and uses a mobility aid which mimics the one she’s currently occupying. 

The second half of the show is now in motion, a pivotal scene on the verge of occurring. Nessarose guilts the protagonist, her own sister, Elphaba, into enchanting Nessarose’s slippers. Enchanting them to “cure” Nessarose. She puts on the magical slippers, places her feet on the ground, and takes her first steps. You’re startled as the crowd gasps and cheers with delight. Applause ricochet throughout the walls of the theatre. A standing ovation was given as the result of the “cure”. You then remember the young girl in your row. Your head turns with hesitation, her eyes no longer filled with passion and spirit, but the look of a disheartening child. Yet again, another message from media that a young person is only worthy when ‘unburdened’ from their disability. 

Lack of real and accurate representation, and lack of disabled actors portraying disabled characters is a present ongoing issue in the disability community. Whether it be in film, television, or in this case, live theatre.

Less than 2 percent of onscreen actors have a disability, according to a recent report released by the Ruderman Foundation. This is especially shocking, considering the fact that there exists at least 1 billion people worldwide with disabilities. 

“Wicked”, a Tony award-winning musical, has been running on Broadway for 15 years. In these 15 years, the only disabled character present in the show has always been portrayed by an able-bodied actress. The show has been praised and rewarded for it’s ‘heartwarming important story.’ However, in essence, the whole show in itself is fairly ironic. 

Wicked shines light on issues revolving around social injustices as Elphaba, the main protagonist, was birthed with green skin. The show preaches for viewers to remember to treat everyone with kindness and respect, no matter what differences they may possess. However, the way Nessarose is not only portrayed but treated is completely contradictory to the present message. 

Approximately 10 minutes into the show, she is referred to as ‘tragically beautiful.’ Which of course if you’ve been told ‘you’re too pretty to be in a wheelchair!’ you may see the negative correlation. Nessarose is also deemed to be unloveable in a romantic sense due to her disability. This is presented by her getting a significant other, Boq. Nessarose longs for reciprocated love from Boq. Unfortunately, Boq only befriends her and starts romantic relations only due to his personal feelings of guilt and pity. This representation of inter-abled relationships leaves viewers with the suggestion that disabled individuals are burdens to non-platonic relationships.  

Envision yourself as the young girl. Surrounded by the standing ovation aimed at the “cure” given to Nessarose. Feeling ashamed and deplorable to not ever have a standing ovation with Nessarose’s circumstances. Seeing yourself on stage becoming abled-bodied to inspire the minds of abled-bodied viewers is indubitably one of the most disheartening experiences for an individual who cannot change themselves.

A whole decade has gone by and Wicked is still perceived as one of the greatest Broadway musicals of all time. A show which preaches diversity and acceptance, yet when the conversation of disabilities is presented, it is completely handled in a way that perceives disability as wrong, and shameful. No one addresses how harmful this perception of disabilities is to audiences. Disabled or not.

Theatre is a form of artistic expression loved by many. Representation is fundamental for not only disabled viewers but everyone. Representation for everyone no matter their race, gender, disability, sexuality, ethnicity, and everything in between should be addressed in an accurate fashion. Make theatre representation accurate, and accessible to all.