News
UNC Charlotte Experts Plan Community Oz Event, With North Carolina Humanities Support
April 12, 2023
Image: Lynn Roberson
UNC Charlotte’s first feature covering CharlOz has arrived! Written by Lynn Roberson, this article contains information about the CharlOz festival. Dr. Mark West, Professor of English and a children’s literature expert, and Dina Massachi, a lecturer in the Department of English and the American Studies Program and a nationally noted Oz expert, are currently planning CharlOz. North Carolina Humanities has provided a $20,000 grant in support of the CharlOz event.
49er Visualization lab hosts discussion on the wiz
April 27, 2023
Image: Dina Massachi
Written by James Kmosko, this article covers the disscusion about the award-winning Broadway musical “The Wiz,” with a focus on the set design and the artwork of Tom John, the scenic designer for the original 1974 Broadway musical production of “The Wiz.” The event was hosted by UNC Charlotte Professor Janaka Lewis and Lecturer Dina Massachi, and held at the 49er Visualization Lab. The art featured in the discussion will be displayed virtually and in other various forms in the CharlOz event. This article is a treat for every Oz fan!
UNC Charlotte Magazine: Bey0nd the Yellow brick road
Image: Kat Lawrence
The UNC Charlotte magazine Fall 2023 issue has been released, featuring Lecturer Dina Massachi on the front cover. The magazine includes an article (pages 8-13) written by Phillip Brown, covering Massachi’s journey to becoming an Oz expert, and her insight on L. Frank Baum’s themes and inspirations behind his Oz series. Additionally, the magazine highlights CharlOz and the planning that went into making this event a reality. This article is a great read for Oz fans and CharlOz guests alike!
Imaginary Worlds: Mother-in-law of Oz
Image: Dina Massachi
Listen to CharlOz speakers, Dina Massachi and Gita Dorothy Morena, share the secret inspiration behind The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L Frank Baum on their interview with Imaginary World podcast. Matilda Joslyn Gage, L Frank Baum’s mother-in-law, was a writer and activist during the women’s suffrage movement. Learn more about the scandal of Matilda being erased from history and her part in the inspiration behind Oz.