Cynthia Erivo said the themes of embracing individuality despite “systems of oppression” and reclaiming negative labels in the upcoming blockbuster film Wicked resonate with the LGBT community. The London-born actress and singer appeared at the Los Angeles LGBT Centre gala at the Shrine Auditorium, where she was honoured with the Schrader Award for her achievements in entertainment and activism within the LGBT community. Advertisement Oscar-nominated actress Erivo, who identified herself as bisexual in 2022, will next be seen playing Elphaba in an adaptation of the hit musical Wicked alongside chart-topping pop star Ariana Grande, who will play Galinda.
View this post on Instagram Advertisement A post shared by Cynthia Erivo (@cynthiaerivo) “Elphaba’s story is the cautionary tale of what it can sometimes mean to have to stand in your individuality, your otherness, even when systems of oppression are set against you,” Erivo said on stage after collecting her award. Advertisement Advertisement “It is the story of how a colourful, powerful, magical woman, despite being disparaged, demonised and discriminated against, becomes the hero. “Wicked is the reclamation and the reimagining of all the labels that are used against her; it is the proclamation of her right to exist in all of her power – if that sounds familiar to you, colourful, magical people in this room, it should.
” The 37-year-old said she hopes the film helps to “build bridges towards each other’s .
