Listen, we unfortunately share this hunk of rock with a lot of hateful idiots. You know that. It’s how we got to somepeople complaining that the movie Wicked was too “woke.”
One of the more nefarious implications is that Cynthia Erivo landed the role of Elphaba because she is Black. You know, Grammy, Emmy, and Tony winner Cynthia Erivo. Who has had an extensive career on stage and screen.
In a new interview with Elle UK, Cynthia said, “There have definitely been conversations about me getting this role as a ‘woke hire.'”
“I had to audition, just like everybody else. And I’m glad I had to do that,” she added. “I have the credentials for it. I’ve done the work. But I’m glad they got to be sure about the choice. It allows me to take this, and to know that I had to work really hard for it.”
Elsewhere in the interview, Cynthia spoke about opting for practical makeup for the role. “I was conscious that I didn’t want to erase the thing that I am underneath the green,” she explained. “For me, it was about using my own experience as the ‘other,’ as someone who exists in that way. So, that’s partially the reason why Elphaba has braids, as opposed to straight hair. It’s the reason why she has long nails.”
“I think, because Elphaba’s otherness is about the colour of her skin, I immediately feel connected to it as a Black woman,” she continued. “The beauty is that it connects with anyone who feels like they’re the other – whether they are Black, whether they are queer, or whether they are just… different.”
We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. By clicking “Accept”, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies.
This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience.
Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously.
Cookie
Duration
Description
cookielawinfo-checkbox-analytics
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-functional
11 months
The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-necessary
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookies is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Necessary".
cookielawinfo-checkbox-others
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other.
cookielawinfo-checkbox-performance
11 months
This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance".
viewed_cookie_policy
11 months
The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. It does not store any personal data.
Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features.
Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors.
Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc.
Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads.
