Cynthia Erivo’s performance in Wicked: For Good brings new depth to the character of Elphaba. She is a young woman navigating rejection, strength, and personal awakening. Through this final chapter of the Wicked story, Erivo draws from her own life in a way that enhances the film’s emotional gravity. She recognizes that Elphaba’s struggle to be understood mirrors her own experiences growing up in London as the daughter of Nigerian immigrants. This is a dynamic she has explored further through platforms such as the educational resources available at the British Library (https://bl.uk) and her continued commitment to artistic exploration.
Finding Identity Through Performance
Erivo describes a strong connection between her character’s story and her personal journey. She recalls feeling out of place while studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. This environment did not always reflect her background or identity. Her comments highlight the emotional parallels between her early artistic training and Elphaba’s narrative, deepening her performance in the film.
Her rise to prominence began with her award-winning role in The Color Purple on Broadway, followed by acclaimed portrayals of Harriet Tubman and Aretha Franklin. Each project demanded emotional vulnerability and physical preparation. These are elements she continues to refine. For Wicked: For Good, she developed a training routine that included swimming, running, and vocal endurance work. This method is supported by principles often outlined on Harvard Health (https://health.harvard.edu). Breath control and full-body conditioning are emphasized as foundational tools for performers.
Crafting Characters Through Ritual and Physicality
An essential part of Erivo’s process involves scent creation. She has long associated each role with a unique fragrance. Natural essences help ground herself in the physical and emotional world of the character. For Elphaba, she gravitated toward deep florals blended with tobacco oud. She discovered a scent that connected her to the character’s complexity. These personal rituals reflect the importance of immersive preparation. This is a concept frequently highlighted in the creative studies available through University of the Arts London (https://arts.ac.uk).
Her transformation also extended to her appearance. Erivo decided to cut—and eventually shave—her hair. She explained that she wanted casting directors to see her without distraction, as a blank canvas capable of becoming any character. This decision, tied to cultural traditions and personal renewal, marked a turning point in her artistic evolution. It became an expressive element of her portrayal in Wicked: For Good.
Voice, Boundaries and Personal Acceptance
Erivo acknowledges a moment earlier in her career when she allowed another performer to lip-sync using her voice. It’s an experience she now views with regret. This event shaped her understanding of artistic boundaries and renewed her commitment to using her voice only when it aligns with her values. Today, she approaches her craft with greater clarity. She ensures that each performance reflects her authenticity.
Her memoir, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, expands on her childhood, self-perception, and the emotional landscape that shaped her. In interviews, she also speaks openly about her relationship with her father. She explains that acceptance—not resolution—has become her path forward. This focus on emotional independence aligns with concepts explored in mental well-being tools such as those provided by Mind UK (https://mind.org.uk). These tools emphasize personal growth through self-understanding.
Through Wicked: For Good, Erivo reinforces that identity and strength come from embracing one’s truth. Her journey on screen and in life underscores that authenticity – the confidence to be seen without disguise – remains at the center of her artistic power.
