I think she means drama school.â Erivo went to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (Rada) and, from there, was cast in a production of The Color Purple, which transferred to Broadway in 2015, winning her a Tony award for best actress in a musical.
âIt was an incredible journey, and I was so grateful for it, but it was also exhausting,â she says. âI was doing eight shows a week, I was a kid, I didnât know what I was doing, and I had to learn a lot. I had to learn how to be in a room with people who were not always kind, how to be in a room where people didnât necessarily want me to do well, how to be in a room where people were trying to take me down. It was a lot of work. I was learning how to be a person, let alone an actor.â
She talks about how being Elphaba has changed her, and how she is still learning. âI was never the girl who grew up with friends, who had a best friend, who had people who were always on my side. I was just trying to fit in. I was an only child, so I was always trying to fit in. I was always trying to be part of something, and I didnât realise that I was enough. I didnât realise that I was fine on my own.â
It is clear that Erivo has found something in Elphaba that she needed in herself, and that it has been a transformative experience. âI have learned so much about myself from playing her,â she says. âI have learned how to be a person, how to be a friend, how to be a sister, how to be a daughter. I have learned how to be a part of something, how to be on my own. I have learned how to be me.â
It is fitting that Erivo, who grew up in London and now lives in Los Angeles, should play a character who is all about transformation. âI love London, itâs where I grew up, itâs where I learned to be me,â she says. âBut Los Angeles is where I learned to be free.â
It’s clear that Erivo has faced many challenges and obstacles throughout her career, including navigating the elitism and lack of inclusivity in drama schools like Rada. Despite these challenges, she has persevered and found success in both theater and film. Her journey, marked by hard work and determination, serves as an inspiration to many aspiring actors. It’s important to acknowledge the systemic issues within the industry and work towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all actors, regardless of their background. Erivo’s story is a testament to the resilience and talent that can thrive in the face of adversity. Pienso en la escena del comedor, donde todos están mirando con tanta hostilidad. Cuando interpretas esas experiencias, las absorbes. Mi forma siempre fue bloquear a todos.
En general, la opinión de Internet, al menos en TikTok, es que Erivo y Grande son simplemente muy buenos amigos. Además, Erivo está en una relación con la guionista Lena Waithe, quien describió la primera vez que vio a Erivo, en el Met Gala en 2018. “Recuerdo [pensar], ‘¿Quién es esta persona pequeña con acento británico?’ Hemos estado conectando desde entonces”.
Cinco minutos antes de que terminara la entrevista, entró mi hija de 15 años. Se suponía que iba a hacer una pregunta sobre Wicked II, pero simplemente dijo: “Eres increíble” varias veces, y Erivo fue increíblemente cálida y conversadora, saliendo un poco de su profesionalismo, sobre el hecho de que la escuela secundaria de mi hija está a la vuelta de la esquina, históricamente rival de La Retraite. Así que pregunté sobre Wicked II, y “podría causar un revuelo”, dijo. “Es una película más oscura. Han crecido. Ya no están en la escuela. Creo que es realmente jugoso”.
Tiene confirmados tres roles en otras películas, pero aún no públicos, otro esperando una decisión, y lanzará un álbum de sus propias canciones este año, con quizás una mini gira. “Soy un bicho raro, así que voy a tratar de encontrar formas de que tenga sentido para mí”.
Creo que la generación Z está en algo: creo que ella es increíble, y hay mucho espacio para contener, una vez que has descubierto qué significa.
Wicked está en cines y disponible para alquilar o comprar en casa.