In a recent interview with Variety, Cynthia Erivo, a talented 37-year-old actress, shared the special details she added to her character in the highly anticipated film Wicked. Erivo's portrayal of Elphaba is a captivating exploration of how a character can be reimagined and connected to the actress herself.

Cynthia Erivo's Elphaba - A Love Letter to the Different

Hair as a Connection

In a unique creative choice, Erivo asked if they could reimagine Elphaba's hair as micro-braids. She explained, "I knew that by doing this, we could still have the movement and length of the character's hair, but with a slightly different texture that would stand out on stage. It was a direct connection between me as a Black woman and Elphaba as a green lady." This decision added a new dimension to the character and showcased Erivo's attention to detail.The visual impact of Elphaba's micro-braids was significant. It not only gave the character a distinct look but also served as a symbol of her individuality. As Erivo said, "It was a way to make Elphaba more relatable and connected to the person underneath, me."

Nails as an Expression

Another aspect of Erivo's portrayal was Elphaba's long nails, which mirrored her own. During her research for the character, Erivo noticed that the original Wicked Witch had nails. She saw this as a progression for the character, a way to show how she grows as a witch and a woman. "Some people wear makeup, I always have my nails done. It's like another extended way of expressing myself," she said.According to Variety, as Elphaba's powers grew, her nails got darker and longer. Makeup and hair designer Frances Hannon attributed this to Erivo's influence. It was a small detail that added depth to the character and made her more memorable.

Breaking Barriers

Erivo is only the second Black woman to portray the Wicked Witch of the West. Following Alexia Khadime's role in the West End production from 2008-2010 and later in 2023, Erivo is now bringing a fresh perspective to the character. She hopes her portrayal is "a bit of a love letter to everyone who feels different, who feels out of place, to all of the Black women who have walked into rooms and felt like they haven't been welcomed."Her words carry a powerful message, showing that representation matters and that every person should feel seen and valued. Erivo is truly a trailblazer, using her talent to make a difference in the entertainment industry.