Hidden Dialogue About an Epidemic

One of the most important points of context surrounding Into the Woods is the devastating epidemic that was sweeping the nation during it's development: the AIDs crisis. Keep in mind, Stephen Sondheim was a gay man creating theatre in New York City at the height of this disease.

Critics have argued over whether or not Woods was originally created to be an "AIDs parable" since its release. On the subject, Sondheim himself said that "We never meant this to be specific. The trouble with fables is everyone looks for some symbolism." However, the context does remain.

Into the Woods focuses heavily on the idea that those who go after what they want may indeed face unintended negative consequences, even for those who really don't deserve them.

This connection is also evident from the way that death and tragedy occurs in Woods. The Grimm Brothers fairy tales were written specifically to instruct the reader in a very visceral way, which was primarily through fear. As the Witch says in Act II of Woods, "Wake up, people are dying all around us."

Ester Bloom, an editor from The Billfold, lays out this deep connection very effectively in this statement:

"Almost no one remains, and those who do must band together, seeking strength from each other, to survive and gain the courage necessary to raise the next generation."

Whether or not a production chooses to focus on this aspect of the musical, it is critical to understand and acknowledge how the show may have been viewed from a different light of the individuals who suffered during the AIDs epidemic, and how they may identify with the themes of chosen family and shocked hopelessness featured in Act II.