Cynthia Erivo, the acclaimed actress and singer, recently shared her powerful experience of shaving her head to embody the character of Elphaba in the movie adaptation of “Wicked: Part One.” Known for her complex and multifaceted portrayal of the iconic witch with green skin, Erivo’s choice to remove her hair was a deliberate act that contributed significantly to her character’s depth and presentation.
Elphaba, a character steeped in both magic and struggle, is defined not only by her green skin but by her personal journey, which resonates with audiences. Erivo, who has received an Academy Award nomination for her performance, called Elphaba one of the most important roles of her career. “I mean, Elphaba was one of those roles,” she said, underscoring the role’s importance to her artistic path.
While preparing for the role, Erivo worked intimately with hair department head Sim Camps, who crafted Elphaba’s signature wig. Camps designed a wig that seamlessly matched Erivo’s scalp. It fit in so organically that it almost appeared to be sprouting directly from her scalp. The ostentatious costume illuminated Elphaba’s famed green, from head to toe. This is particularly noticeable during the climactic “Defying Gravity” scene, where her transformation to a more traditional witch visually stands out, as the green begins to fade.
“She contacted the person who made a wig for me in a play that I did 12 years ago, because she knew what he was like, took measurements, sent it off, and he then, together, they sort of worked out how to make sure that the wig itself disappeared, and it looked like it was growing up my scalp,” – Cynthia Erivo
For Erivo, the choice to shave her head was more than a physical change. It was about something much bigger. She said that this powerful decision opened up her eyes to be the center of her performance’s beauty. “I like how much of a black canvas it is, and I like that there’s nothing but my eyes,” she remarked. This aesthetic shift contributed to her feeling more “in her body, in herself,” enabling her to bring authenticity to the character.
Looking back on her preparation for the role of Elphaba, Erivo said she wanted to know everything about who this person was. “And I want to know what that character means,” she added, explaining the role empathy plays in her performances. She approached Elphaba with an open mind, eager to explore the complexities of a character often misunderstood.
Erivo was aware that playing Elphaba came with different hurdles to overcome. “Is it going to make me challenge how much I can do? Is it going to make me push at the edges of the boundaries that I think I might have?” she questioned. This kind of soul searching ignited her passions, and she was determined to produce an act that had never been seen before.
The actress similarly shared on Instagram about her emotional journey through the hair removal process. Only worried she would miss her waist-length hair, by the end of the process, was totally open to it. She was worried that I would be longing for the length of my hair … and then I went back two days later and I just chopped it all off,” Erivo shared. This dramatic move was a clear signal that she intended to dive deep into the job.
In addition to her physical transformation, Erivo’s portrayal of Elphaba captures the character’s struggles and resilience. Elphaba’s story, as brought to life by the Broadway musical “Wicked,” still lives on in audiences everywhere and reminds us that embracing differences can lead to empowerment and acceptance. Through her performance, Erivo hopes to help audiences empathize with people who might be misunderstood or vilified by society.
“How do I have empathy and make this person real? How do I make other people maybe have empathy for this person, even though ordinarily you might not?” – Cynthia Erivo
As “Wicked: Part One” captivates audiences, Erivo’s interpretation of Elphaba remains a testament to her dedication as an artist. In so doing, she has reshaped the role from within while solidifying its legacy among present-day cinema.