Wicked’s Cynthia Erivo on Defying Gravity, the Attack on Diversity and (Maybe) Getting an EGOT
Feb 10, 2025
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Cynthia Erivo, a talented singer, actor, and producer best known for her roles in 'Wicked' and 'Harriet,' shares her journey of empowerment and artistic expression. She reflects on the significance of her role as Elphaba, its resonance with themes of identity, and the current attack on diversity. Erivo discusses her desire to amplify underrepresented voices, her aspirations for EGOT status, and the crucial role of storytelling in activism. She emphasizes the cultural impact of 'Wicked' and the importance of representation in media.
Cynthia Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba in Wicked emphasizes the significance of collaboration and artistic input in creating a multidimensional character.
The film's themes of identity and resilience highlight the ongoing societal issues concerning marginalization and the fight against misinformation.
Deep dives
Cynthia Erivo's Rise to Fame
Cynthia Erivo has rapidly ascended to prominence in Hollywood, particularly recognized for her role as Elphaba in the film adaptation of Wicked. Her journey began with a Broadway debut in The Color Purple, earning her a Tony Award, Grammy, and Daytime Emmy, placing her just one award shy of achieving EGOT status. Furthermore, Erivo received two Oscar nominations in 2020 for her portrayal of Harriet Tubman, showcasing her immense talent in both acting and songwriting. This trajectory highlights her significant presence in the entertainment industry and the crucial societal themes her characters often represent.
The Artistic Collaboration in Wicked
Cynthia Erivo emphasized the importance of artistic collaboration in her role in Wicked, particularly in her partnership with director John Chu. She expressed how mutual trust allowed her to enrich her character through input in choreography and performance, thus giving her the freedom to influence her portrayal of Elphaba. By actively participating in the creative process, she was able to turn the character into someone deeply personal, transforming her movements and appearance to reflect a more dimensional representation. This collaboration not only enhanced the film's artistic integrity but also allowed Erivo to fully embody the complexities of Elphaba's persona.
Themes of Identity and Resistance
Wicked touches on profound themes of identity, belonging, and societal opposition, resonating with current cultural challenges. Erivo articulated how Elphaba's journey reflects the struggles of marginalized individuals and the broader fight against misinformation. By portraying a character who experiences systemic persecution, Erivo believes the story fosters a sense of hope and resilience, encouraging viewers to embrace their individuality. She noted that the film serves as both entertainment and a means of reflection, inviting audiences to confront their perceptions of others and themselves.
The Impact of Music in Storytelling
Music plays a pivotal role in Cynthia Erivo's artistic expression and storytelling, often serving as a means to convey deeper emotions. In discussing her Oscar-nominated song 'Stand Up' and her upcoming album, she revealed that music allows her to explore vulnerability and connect with audiences on a profound level. Erivo described how her experiences in film and music intertwine, enabling her to add layers to her characters that words alone might not convey. Through her performances, she aspires to challenge perceptions and encourage others to embrace their true selves, illustrating the power of music as both an artistic and a personal liberator.
Is it strange that Wicked, a film about a marginalized person discovering her magic and rising up to fight against government oppression, has been a box office success under Trump 2.0 – or does the movie's message actually meet the moment? Wicked has been nominated for 10 Oscars, including Best Actress in a Leading Role for Cynthia Erivo, who already has Grammy, Emmy and Tony awards under her belt. This week, Kara talks with Erivo about why, as a queer, Black woman, the role of Elphaba was especially meaningful and how she made it her own; what she thinks about the current attack on diversity programs and the LGBTQ+ community; which projects she wants to lend her voice and other talents to going forward; and what becoming the youngest EGOT winner (if she wins the Oscar) would mean to her.
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