Cynthia Erivo on Directing Ambitions and Dangers of ‘Wicked’ Cyber-Bullying: ‘It’s Easy’ to ‘Type Words About a Person You Don’t Know Anything About’

As a seasoned movie-goer and critic with a keen eye for talent and heartfelt performances, I must say that Cynthia Erivo is truly a force to be reckoned with. Her portrayal of Elphaba in “Wicked” is nothing short of breathtaking, and her ability to imbue the character with depth and humanity is nothing short of remarkable.

Following the worldwide phenomenon of Jon M. Chu’s “Wicked,” Cynthia Erivo is already contemplating future projects, one of which might involve moving behind the camera. During her talk at the Red Sea Film Festival, this Oscar-nominated actor expressed admiration for Barbra Streisand as a significant inspiration in both singing and acting. She went on to say that she appreciates how Streisand managed to evolve her career by not only being an actress but also a director, mentioning that this is a path she herself is considering.

Regarding the persistent online harassment faced by co-star Ariana Grande, the individual expressed concern about the risks associated with cyberbullying, stating that it’s simple to make negative comments about someone you don’t know personally while hiding behind a computer screen. Instead, their approach is to combat harmful narratives by promoting positivity: “Be the one who shares good stories. What others think of you, especially those who haven’t met you, should never outweigh what you believe about yourself.

Erivo enthusiastically shared her journey in creating “Wicked,” expressing that it’s wonderful when a dream comes true, but even more so when it happens alongside people you care for deeply. When questioned about embodying Elphaba as a Black woman, the actor explained she requested specific traits like braids and manicure for her character, and aimed to infuse this character with the individual beneath and the pride she feels in being a Black woman.

She went on to explain, “The green represents everyone who has ever felt marginalized.” She added, “As a Black woman, there are layers within me that sometimes don’t find acceptance in certain environments. I wanted to convey that experience, and I was fortunate to have a director who supported my vision. The tears you see in the scene where [Elphaba] is criticized for being green? They were genuine. I can’t tell this story without expressing those feelings, as they stem from my personal understanding of exclusion.

The actor portraying “Harriet” remarked that playing “Elphaba” is complex because it’s crucial to reveal her vulnerability and humanity. He explained, “The green can be misleading. One must look beyond it so audiences can perceive her as a person, with tears in her eyes reflecting her pain and the anguish in her heart. For me, Elphaba was a unique challenge – one of making her relatable and even seeing the humanity within her green existence. She is a character I hold dear.

Regarding the complexities of performing “Defying Gravity,” the actor shared her struggles with capturing one of the movie’s key musical sequences. She described the song’s climax as a continuous rise, with no opportunity for pause or return. The difficulty in singing “Defying Gravity” stemmed from the fact that she was suspended on a harness, which meant there was no solid surface beneath her. To generate the powerful sounds required, she had to search for where to project the sound and mentally imagine a ground to push against, using this imaginary foundation to produce the bigger tones. Additionally, wearing a corset restricted her ability to use her diaphragm, so she had to replace breath support and rely on this imagined surface to create the sounds.

The actress expressed her surprise about the current success of “Wicked,” saying she knew it was unique, yet couldn’t predict the incredible outcome this movie has achieved. In its debut week in the U.S., over Thanksgiving, the musical shattered box office records, earning an astounding $118.2 million. The actress went on to say that while film adaptations don’t always succeed, witnessing audiences connect with it is truly remarkable.

In regards to her friendship with Grande, Erivo expressed that upon being cast together, they both made a commitment to look out for each other. They were considerate towards one another, worked honestly, and established their relationship on this foundation. They offered each other the required space, kindness, and generosity to portray these roles effectively.

She continued, ‘Our voices complement each other beautifully. Working on something like a musical allows for a deep comprehension of one another’s style. Singing together is an incredibly intimate experience that has enriched our bond even more. We were both attentive to each other’s strengths and it was truly unique.’

The actor rarely feels envy towards Elphaba, she explained. “I don’t envy people in real life because I think whatever someone possesses is theirs, and whatever I possess is mine. [Envy] is a common emotion, but over time, I’ve learned not to harbor it because I understand that everyone receives what they are meant to receive.

2024-12-06 14:46

Cynthia Erivo on Directing Ambitions and Dangers of ‘Wicked’ Cyber-Bullying: ‘It’s Easy’ to ‘Type Words About a Person You Don’t Know Anything About’

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