British-Nigerian actress and singer Cynthia Erivo covers ELLE USA‘s Women in Hollywood Dec/Jan issue.
She speaks on playing Elphaba in the film version of Wicked and how it was not an opportunity she would have ever envisioned for herself. As a Black actress stepping into that role, Cynthia says
Why would that change for the film? I couldn’t even dream about wanting it. When you’re in this skin and you walk around, you are immediately an ‘other’. It was a really wonderful experience to be able to step into this role, outside of my own skin, and into someone else’s, who has also been ‘othered.’ It’s important to know what it feels like. I hope that this shifts and changes things across stages.
On working with Ariana Grande and building a relationship off screen,
I’ve gained a sister. At this point, we speak almost every day. Both of us were blown away by how connected we were immediately.
Cynthia says the movie-musical allowed her bring her theatrical roots to the screen in a robust way, singing live and doing her own stunts.
It’s so strange, because I feel like I was leading right here without realizing this is where I was heading. I don’t believe that everything happens just by chance. I’m also aware of how much of a gift this is. I’m so glad for the experience, and I would do it again in a heartbeat, because I learned a lot about myself.
Watch the BTS of her shoot below:
View this post on Instagram
Read the full interview here
Credits:
ELLE: @elleusa
Talent: @cynthiaerivo
Editor-in-chief: Nina Garcia @ninagarcia
Photographer: Felix Cooper @felix_cooper
Stylist: Patti Wilson @patti_wilson
Writer: Samuel Maude @samuel.p.maude
Hair: Keita Moore at The Only Agency @kilprity @theonly.agency
Makeup: Samuel Paul for Armani Beauty @samuelpaulmakeup @armanibeauty
Manicure: Gina Oh @ohriginails
Production: Dana Brockman at Viewfinders @dbrock324 @viewfindersnyla