A couple of weeks ago my LinkedIn feed presented me with a number of posts from people who were pointing out the intentional exclusion of Cynthia Erivo from much of the front page coverage of the premiere of Wicked. I recognised the importance of these observations in highlighting the discrimination behind the editorial decision-making, and in continuing to lift the veil for people like me whose privilege has allowed us to grow up blind to such engrained racism. I observed these things but I... Read more
A couple of weeks ago my LinkedIn feed presented me with a number of posts from people who were pointing out the intentional exclusion of Cynthia Erivo from much of the front page coverage of the premiere of Wicked. I recognised the importance of these observations in highlighting the discrimination behind the editorial decision-making, and in continuing to lift the veil for people like me whose privilege has allowed us to grow up blind to such engrained racism. I observed these things but I did not feel that I had anything to contribute to the conversation.
But now I have seen Wicked and I have something to say.
Firstly, it‘s excellent (full disclosure, I love a musical). Secondly, it is undeniably Cynthia Erivo‘s film and although Ariana Grande is very good, surprisingly funny and flippin‘ heck can she carry a tune, to shine the spotlight on her at the exclusion of Cynthia is outrageous. But more than that, it is an unexpectedly dark and political film with profound layers of subtext, all of which gain heightened poignancy from the fact that it is a Black actor who is bringing the green-skinned protagonist to life. For the press to sideline Cynthia because she is Black is to wilfully dismiss the message behind the film. And yet the irony is that by elevating Ariana Grande at Cynthia‘s expense they illustrate the deep relevance of that message. Not that Cynthia herself will have been surprised. I read that she fully expected not to chosen for the role - because she is Black.
To anyone who has argued that casting her in the role of Elphaba was controversial or even wrong, I say your opinion is a travesty. And to those who felt it was possible to talk about this film without putting Cynthia‘s performance and presence front and centre in an overwhelmingly positive way, I say your decision is a travesty.
In fact, after the experience it gave me, I‘m in no doubt that the fact Elphaba was ever NOT played by a Black woman is a travesty. And somewhere in that thought I believe there is a story that should be front page news.
But now I have seen Wicked and I have something to say.
Firstly, it‘s excellent (full disclosure, I love a musical). Secondly, it is undeniably Cynthia Erivo‘s film and although Ariana Grande is very good, surprisingly funny and flippin‘ heck can she carry a tune, to shine the spotlight on her at the exclusion of Cynthia is outrageous. But more than that, it is an unexpectedly dark and political film with profound layers of subtext, all of which gain heightened poignancy from the fact that it is a Black actor who is bringing the green-skinned protagonist to life. For the press to sideline Cynthia because she is Black is to wilfully dismiss the message behind the film. And yet the irony is that by elevating Ariana Grande at Cynthia‘s expense they illustrate the deep relevance of that message. Not that Cynthia herself will have been surprised. I read that she fully expected not to chosen for the role - because she is Black.
To anyone who has argued that casting her in the role of Elphaba was controversial or even wrong, I say your opinion is a travesty. And to those who felt it was possible to talk about this film without putting Cynthia‘s performance and presence front and centre in an overwhelmingly positive way, I say your decision is a travesty.
In fact, after the experience it gave me, I‘m in no doubt that the fact Elphaba was ever NOT played by a Black woman is a travesty. And somewhere in that thought I believe there is a story that should be front page news.
I completely agree, Nick. It’s maddening how often people discuss Wicked without knowing Cynthia Erivo’s name. She’s one of the UK’s most celebrated talents—winner of a Tony, Emmy, Grammy, and a two-time Oscar nominee in the same year. The lack of recognition compared to less accomplished peers is telling, and the editorial choices behind it are shameful.