At a recent Canva Create event, Cynthia Erivo shared intimate details about her physical and emotional transformation to play Elphaba in Wicked: Part One.
The Oscar-nominated star revealed how shaving her head left her feeling “open and vulnerable,” turning her face into a “black canvas” that deepened her connection to the character.
She reflected on her gradual shift from long, colorful braids to short styles, emphasizing her desire to “turn up as myself” in auditions.
Erivo praised hairstylist Sim Camps for crafting Elphaba’s iconic green wig—a technical feat involving micro braids and custom-dyed lace for seamless realism.
Beyond the physical changes, she discussed her acting philosophy, seeking empathy for complex roles and pushing creative boundaries, much like her approach to music (her album I Forgive You drops June 6).
For Erivo, Wicked became a revelation: “I really didn’t know how far I could go with her,” she admitted, discovering unexpected freedom within the beloved role.
