The Wiz is coming to Bermuda in November. The production will be put on by Troika, which takes to the stage on Thursday with its 2026 Young Choreographers Showcase, Rooted: From the Ground Up. An exhibit of new work by emerging choreographers, it’s intended as a “celebration of Bermuda’s young talent and the power of the arts to transform lives”.

Rooted features works by 14 talented local choreographers and Kareem Marsh, a former member of renowned Philadelphia dance company Philadenco, who has built “a distinguished international career”.

Having performed on Broadway in The Wiz and most recently in an off-Broadway production, Saturday Church, “his involvement adds a world-class professional perspective to this year’s showcase and provides invaluable mentorship for Bermuda’s young performers”, said Seldon Woolridge.

The Troika founder believes that being part of Rooted could encourage youngsters who might have been hesitant about auditioning for a production like The Wiz.

“It opens them up to want to participate in the bigger productions and that stretches them because they get to experience different disciplines,” Mr Woolridge added.

The Wiz will be directed by Steve Huntsman, who was part of past Troika shows Once on This Island, Beauty and the Beast and Reflections. Cedric Lyles, who joined Troika for The Colour Purple, will serve as vocal director, while Carling Ray from Sarafina! returns as choreographer.

Troika had considered staging The Wiz for its tenth anniversary in 2019, but instead presented Reflections, a retrospective of past productions.

“We're excited to revisit The Wiz and present that as our Work in Progress # Nine production,” Mr Woolridge said. “[It is] going to require a lot of dance talent in addition to vocals. So having dancers as part of [Rooted] is important, as we look ahead to prepare for The Wiz.”

Troika first came to public attention in 2012 with its debut musical, Once on This Island, a production praised as professional-level theatre. That reputation was built on with subsequent productions including Disney’s Beauty and the Beast, The Colour Purple and Sarafina!, whose cast was later invited to perform at the 2024 International Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina.

Interest in joining the company has grown steadily since.

This week’s showcase features 77 performers, making it one of the largest to date. The cast includes emerging young dancers, returning performers, and rising creatives.

“The participants [include] students representing many of Bermuda’s various dance schools, reflecting strong collaboration across the island’s dance community,” Mr Woolridge said.

“This speaks to the popularity of the programme and the value that the community has placed on this type of initiative. Every year the showcase evolves. This year feels especially powerful given the theme that we have aligned with this year's project.”

Rooted centres on identity, culture and growth, exploring how the diaspora shapes identity and development.

“We do have some Bermuda references,” Mr Woolridge said. “We’re exploring, not just culturally, but from a movement lens as well.”

The production is being led by Troika alumni Shanna Henry and Sacha Dill, who are also among the choreographers in the show.

Said Ms Dill: “We've all worked extremely hard. It's going to be a great show full of energy. Hopefully there's no dry eyes, because so much emotion has been poured into the show. Your cup will be full for sure.”

The programme brings together dancers of different ages and experience levels.

“Having [the younger performers] aligned with the older cast has [given them a new] perspective,” Ms Henry said. “They’re learning from choreographers outside of those they're used to [and] they’re working with other dancers, meeting new people. It's definitely a show to look forward to.”

Auditions for The Wiz will begin once Rooted completes its run on May 2. “We've already started a lot of the work behind the scenes,” Mr Woolridge said.

“We have a talented team of creatives that assist us and come and facilitate as part of the project. And then, we also work with volunteers and members of the community who come together and give up their time and their skills to assist us in putting everything together. It definitely takes teamwork in order to make these projects happen.”

• Rooted: From the Ground Up runs Thursday to Saturday at Earl Cameron Theatre at 7.30pm. Tickets are available atwww.troikabda.com