FINDING HOME WITHIN
- Ajuli Tulsyan
- Dec 23, 2025
- 3 min read
A timeless classic comes alive on stage, reminding audiences that courage, heart and wisdom already live within us
The Wizard of Oz remains one of those rare stories that transcends age, era and medium—an enchanting journey of self-discovery wrapped in fantasy, music and magic.
The tale follows young Dorothy Gale, whose ordinary life in Kansas is upended when a tornado sweeps her into the fantastical land of Oz. Desperate to return home, she embarks on a journey along the yellow brick road to seek help from the all-powerful Wizard. What begins as a quest for answers soon becomes a deeper exploration of identity, courage and belonging.
Along the way, Dorothy forms enduring friendships with three unforgettable companions: the Scarecrow, who longs for intelligence; the Tin Woodsman, who yearns for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who believes he lacks bravery. Together, they face trials that test their resolve, including the menacing presence of a wicked witch determined to stop them. When they finally reach the Emerald City, the revelation that the Wizard is merely a clever illusion shifts the story’s emotional core. The characters realise that the very qualities they sought were within them all along—revealed through action, loyalty and self-belief.
The Scarecrow’s sharp problem-solving, the Tin Woodsman’s innate compassion and the Lion’s instinctive courage in protecting his friends underscore the story’s enduring moral: true strength does not come from external validation, but from recognising one’s inner potential. Anchoring it all is the comforting truth that resonates long after the curtain falls—there’s no place like home.
This powerful message found a grand expression on stage when HPS Ramanthpur presented The Wizard of Oz on December 20. Directed by Aarti Phatarphekar and Shashank Karmarkar, the production was a slick, Broadway-style spectacle that featured an astounding 490 student performers. With massive LED backdrops, striking lighting design, detailed costumes and immersive sets, the show was visually spectacular and technically seamless.
What stood out most, however, was the calibre of performance. The acting was confident, nuanced and emotionally grounded—so polished that it was easy to forget the cast comprised young students. Over 2,500 parents and students were transported into Dorothy’s world as the stage shifted fluidly from sunlit cornfields to eerie haunted forests, vibrant Munchkin Land to the dark dungeons of the Wicked Witch’s castle. On a cold winter night, the warmth of the storytelling and the collective energy of the performers created a truly heartening theatrical experience, culminating in the joyous return of Dorothy and her loyal dog, Toto, back home.
At the helm of this ambitious production was Aarti Phatarphekar, a seasoned theatre practitioner who has spent over a decade directing large-scale school musicals. Her repertoire includes productions such as Peter Pan, Around the World in 80 Days, Arabian Nights and The Sound of Music. Specialising in working with children, she has been teaching drama as a co-curricular activity since 2011, using theatre as a powerful tool for personal growth.
Through structured workshops conducted during school holidays, around 750 students have graduated under her guidance, while over 2,000 children have been introduced to core theatre skills. These include confidence building, public speaking, overcoming stage fear, improvisation, teamwork, creative writing, storytelling and effective use of voice and body on stage—skills that extend far beyond the spotlight.
In bringing The Wizard of Oz to life with such scale, sensitivity and professionalism, the production reaffirmed why this classic continues to endure—and why theatre, especially when shaped by young voices, remains one of the most powerful mediums of storytelling.
For school productions or to enrol your child in theatre workshops, Aarti Phatarphekar can be contacted at 9966315828 or aartiphekar@gmail.com.
