Imagine a slightly crowded room filled with rows of rising benches. The walls are brightly painted with scenes from fairy-tales and at the front of the room there is a large, flat stage, level with the ground. The quiet murmur of the crowd hushes as the lights dim and a spotlight appears. A student clothed in robes steps forward and begins the tale of the Wizard of Oz, or at least, Stockholm International School’s interpretation of the Wizard of Oz. The protagonist of this story, Doris, a young girl from Stockholm, Sweden, and her band of wizard-seeking friends, set off on the red brick road in search of home and personal fulfilment. While this adaptation of the classic Wizard of Oz was not a musical, it utilised modern music in order to bring in an element of style and comedy that brought the crowd to laughter. The story came to life as the students entered and exited the stage, cleverly using screens and a dollhouse to create a feeling of movement and space on the small stage.

The students were delightful in the realistic costumes and fresh portrayals of the well-known characters. Glinda entered onto the stage with a rapping entourage, the Wicked Witch was trailed by pink-haired trolls, the lion sang opera while sobbing in shame over a fierce scolding from Doris and the tin man creaked as he oiled himself. These talented students brought a well-thought concept to reality with ease and sophistication as they transformed into the various characters from the Wizard of Oz, costume changes and all.

The most touching moment of the evening was at the very end, when the students bowed for the final time in front of the audience. Roses were passed out, teachers were thanked, and the director of the play, Stine Rautelin, was nearly in tears. The forty-five minute performance was the result of nearly an entire year of hard work from the drama department, and Marie Umerkajeff especially, as they began the difficult work of taking a classic story and making it truly unique.