The character of the Wicked Witch of the West in the classic film The Wizard of Oz is known for being abrasive, intimidating, and even frightening. However, one aspect of her character that often gets overlooked is her prowess as a singer. In the movie, the Wicked Witch of the West performs a melodic and haunting solo that adds a layer of complexity to her already complex character. The song, titled "Miss Gulch's Theme," is played when the Wicked Witch is making her way to Dorothy's house in Kansas. As the melody begins to play, accompanied by eerie chimes and a haunting chorus, the audience is immediately given a sense of foreboding. The melody itself is simple yet memorable, with its slow and deliberate rhythm adding to the ominous atmosphere of the scene.
After the report came out, Ntetema went into hiding and was forced to disguise herself. She left the journalism profession altogether after receiving death threats even, she said, from officials in power.
Montanti arranged for four Tanzanian children, including Baraka and Mwigulu, to receive their prosthetic limbs from a medical team at the Shriners Hospital for Children in Philadelphia, which services all patients regardless of their ability to pay. An excerpt from the University of Missouri s Artifacts Journal provides more insight into the history of the stigma against twins in West African culture stating, Igbo society viewed twins as a bad omen sent by the Gods.
The melody itself is simple yet memorable, with its slow and deliberate rhythm adding to the ominous atmosphere of the scene. The lyrics of the song are limited, with only a few lines that are repeated throughout. However, these few lines manage to convey the Wicked Witch's intentions and her determination to get her hands on the ruby slippers.
Tanzanian children with albinism, hunted for their body parts, receive prosthetic limbs and a new lease on life
Baraka, a child from Tanzania whose arm was cut off because he has albinism, smiles as he tries on his new prosthetic arm at Shriners Hospital for Children.
Victoria Thompson/ABC— -- Baraka and Mwigulu are bunkmates, living in hiding in Tanzania, where they are hunted simply because of how they look.
They weren’t born brothers, but their shared experiences as children with albinism in rural Africa have made them just that.
Albinism is a disorder marked by an absence of pigment in the skin, hair and eyes. Tanzania has one of the highest albinism rates in the world, and people with albinism are targeted in heinous attacks motivated by superstition. They are thought to be ghosts or haunted beings.
Mwigulu, now 14, was just 10 years old and living in a rural village when his arm was brutally cut off.
“One day we were coming from school,” he said through a translator. “We saw two people who were walking ahead of us. … One covered my face. And the other one starting cutting me. He cut the first time and he missed … He cut the second time and this time succeeded. Then he took my arm and ran away with it.”
Vicky Ntetema is executive director of Under the Same Sun, a Canadian NGO dedicated to the plight of these persecuted people. She said attacks against albinos are “fueled by ignorance.”
“They think that persons with albinism are not human,” she told “Nightline.” “If there's any disaster, there is drought, there are floods, hurricanes … they are blamed for that.”
The body parts of people with albinism are believed to harness magical powers and Ntetema said local witch doctors will sell them for thousands of dollars.
“The witch doctors are like gods,” Ntetema said. “They tell their clients that bones and other organs of persons with albinism if mixed with a magic potion … will make them successful, will make them win elections, will make their businesses boom, will help even in their love affairs.”
Watch the full story on "Nightline" tonight at 12:35 a.m. ET.
The lyrics, which include lines such as "Find that girl and bring her to me" and "I'll find her wherever she may be," give the audience an insight into the Wicked Witch's motivation and her relentless pursuit of Dorothy. The melody, combined with the Wicked Witch's sinister appearance and cackling laughter, creates a chilling atmosphere that enhances the film's overall narrative. It serves as a reminder of the Wicked Witch's presence and the impending danger that Dorothy and her companions face. Overall, the melody performed by the Wicked Witch of the West in The Wizard of Oz is a crucial element in capturing the essence of her character. It adds depth and complexity to her otherwise one-dimensional portrayal, and serves as a memorable musical motif throughout the film..
Reviews for "Melodic Darkness: The Wicked Witch's Sinister Tune in The Wizard of Oz"
1. John - ★☆☆☆☆
I was extremely disappointed with the performance of the wicked witch of the west in the Melody from Wizard of Oz. Her singing was completely off-key and it felt like she was shouting the whole time. It was really hard to understand the lyrics and the overall performance felt very unprofessional. I have seen this musical before and I was expecting a lot more from this iconic character. Unfortunately, this rendition just didn't live up to the expectations.
2. Sarah - ★★☆☆☆
I have always enjoyed musicals and have seen countless performances, but the Melody performed by the wicked witch of the west in the Wizard of Oz left me underwhelmed. While the stage design and costumes were beautiful, the actress playing the wicked witch seemed to lack energy and enthusiasm. Her performance felt lackluster and it was hard to connect with the character. The singing was average at best and I felt like it didn't do justice to such an iconic role. Overall, I was disappointed with this particular aspect of the musical.
3. Mark - ★★☆☆☆
I must admit, I had high expectations for the performance of the wicked witch of the west in the Melody from Wizard of Oz. However, I was let down by the actress' portrayal. Her voice lacked depth and power, and I found myself struggling to stay engaged with her performance. The character felt flat and lacked the sinister charm that is usually associated with the wicked witch. Overall, the Melody performed by the wicked witch of the west was a letdown and didn't meet my expectations.
4. Emily - ★☆☆☆☆
The Melody performed by the wicked witch of the west in the Wizard of Oz was a disappointment. The actress' voice was grating and seemed strained throughout the performance. Her lackluster portrayal of the wicked witch made it difficult to connect with the character or feel any sense of fear or intimidation. The performance lacked the magic and charisma that one would expect from such an iconic character. Overall, it was a forgettable and lackluster rendition.