YOU CAN'T WIN: THE WIZ AND THE RACIAL POLITICS OF BOX OFFICE FAILURE.
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Lake Residence Hall Theater
YOU CAN'T WIN: THE WIZ AND THE RACIAL POLITICS OF BOX OFFICE FAILURE. illustration

Join us for a special two-day event featuring Dr. Alfred L. Martin, Jr., Associate Professor of Media Studies and Chair of the Department of Cinematic Arts at the University of Miami.

Professor Martin is the author of the new book Fandom for Us, by Us: The Pleasures and Practices of Black Audiences. Please join us for the following scheduled events at the Lake Theater:

 

Screening of "The Wiz"

  • When: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
  • Time: 6:00pm – 8:30pm (with a reception following).
  • Where: Lake Theater
  • Details: This screening will include a short introduction to the film by Professor Martin.

 

Guest Lecture: "You Can't Win: The Wiz and the Racial Politics of Box Office Failure"

  • When: Thursday, January 22, 2026
  • Time: 6:00pm – 7:30pm
  • Where: Lake Theater
  • Details: Come join us for a talk with Prof. Martin regarding the racial politics and history surrounding the film The Wiz.

 

About the Speaker:

Prof. Alfred L. Martin, Jr. has published widely in scholarly venues and serves on several editorial boards, including Film Criticism and Transformative Works & Culture. He is the author of The Generic Closet: Black Gayness and the Black-Cast Sitcom and editor of Rolling: Blackness and Mediated Comedy. In addition to his academic work, he is a former marketing executive and professional ballet dancer.