Episode Summary: "Oscar-Winner Hannah Beachler!"

In this compelling episode of "The Broadway Show: Uncut," host Tamsen Fadal engages in an in-depth conversation with the esteemed production designer Hannah Beachler. Known for her groundbreaking work on the Oscar-winning film "Black Panther," Beachler delves into her transition from Hollywood to Broadway, specifically her role in revitalizing the classic musical "The Wiz."

1. Transitioning from Hollywood to Broadway

The episode opens with correspondent Paul Wontorek posing a pivotal question to Hannah Beachler about her career trajectory:

[00:27] Paul Wontorek: "Your career is kind of on fire. I mean, you win an Oscar, you're really big, doing amazing Hollywood projects, but you are committing time to the theater. What brought you to Oz and to the Wiz at this point in your career?"

Beachler responds by highlighting the emotional and personal motivations behind her move:

[00:40] Hannah Beachler: "The director, Shelly Williams, who we are from the same small town in Ohio, Dayton, Ohio... I just thought my dad, my dad would be so happy. He passed away when I was working on the first Panther and never really got to see what I did. He would want this for me and I want this for me."

2. Family Influence and Early Inspirations

A significant portion of the discussion centers on Beachler's upbringing and how her parents shaped her design sensibilities. Coming from a family where her father was an architect and her mother an interior decorator, Beachler reflects on her formative years:

[02:45] Hannah Beachler: "I fought it for so long... My dad designed this super modern house. His favorite architect was Frank Lloyd Wright... we lived on a horse farm... my mom and dad took me to the theater a lot."

She emphasizes how these experiences instilled in her a profound appreciation for design and creativity, setting the foundation for her illustrious career.

3. Designing "The Wiz" with Cultural Consciousness

Beachler delves deep into her design process for "The Wiz," underscoring the importance of cultural representation and historical significance. She explains her meticulous research into black American culture and its embodiment in the set design:

[10:48] Hannah Beachler: "I specifically wanted it to be about black American culture... how do I talk about that history without talking about the struggle and the pain, but the pieces of joy that came from that history."

One of the standout elements she discusses is the incorporation of Adinkra symbols, which are Western African symbols representing various meanings:

[12:45] Hannah Beachler: "The symbols are for Mother Nature and the symbol for Creator... These symbols represent Dorothy's journey and the broader human experience."

4. Balancing Tradition with Innovation

A recurring theme in the conversation is Beachler's commitment to preserving theatrical traditions while infusing modern technology and design techniques. She contrasts her extensive experience in large-scale film productions with the intimate, collaborative nature of theater:

[21:10] Hannah Beachler: "Theater has this... something about it that never wants to change because tradition holds so much weight."

However, she also incorporates elements from her film background to enhance the Broadway experience:

[21:43] Hannah Beachler: "I brought some of the technology, especially in design work like model making, using newer software because it's a little bit faster than what was previously used in theater."

5. Crafting Immersive and Timeless Environments

Beachler meticulously outlines her approach to creating immersive worlds within "The Wiz." She discusses the deliberate use of color to signify different realms and emotions:

[25:06] Hannah Beachler: "We start out in black and white in Kansas, and then when we land in Munchkin Land and the original Oz were in Technicolor... Each world has its unique color palette to evoke specific feelings."

She also emphasizes the importance of creating environments that encourage audience imagination and engagement:

[30:04] Hannah Beachler: "I wanted to take everybody on this fairy tale journey... creating immersive environments where the audience feels enveloped in the story."

6. The Quest for Timelessness and Legacy

Towards the end of the episode, Beachler shares her aspirations for "The Wiz" to endure as a timeless piece of theater. She acknowledges the challenges of balancing modern elements with enduring aesthetics:

[19:11] Hannah Beachler: "We were very careful on how we combine technology into the overall aesthetic... I want people to be able to look at it 30 years from now and still understand and feel what we were trying to do."

She reflects on her legacy and the broader impact of her work:

[31:33] Hannah Beachler: "Being able to leave something that I'm proud of... making other people feel good and lifting anything you can off of their shoulders... that's my mission."

7. Emotional Connection and Personal Fulfillment

The episode culminates with Beachler expressing the profound emotional fulfillment she derives from her work:

[31:44] Hannah Beachler: "I know my dad is looking down and watching it... being able to leave something that my son is proud of and that people can look at and feel good at the end of the day."

Her dedication to creating spaces that inspire joy, pride, and a sense of belonging underscores the heart of her design philosophy.

Conclusion

Hannah Beachler's conversation on "The Broadway Show: Uncut" offers a window into the intricate blend of personal passion, cultural heritage, and professional expertise that defines her work. From her heartfelt motivations to her innovative design strategies, Beachler exemplifies the essence of a visionary artist committed to making a lasting impact on both Broadway and the broader cultural landscape.