Performing Elphaba in Wicked was difficult for Cynthia Erivo. She slept fewer than three hours a night, exercised hard, and lived like a monk.
- Working out tirelessly and without sleep for the part of Elphaba.
- Monk-like lifestyle, self-care for a tough job.
The Devotion to Playing Elphaba Caused Cynthia Erivo to Miss Out on Sleep
During a Wicked screening and Question-Answer session, Cynthia Erivo disclosed the extent of her efforts to portray Elphaba with authenticity.
To pull off her aerial exploits, the actress said that she slept for fewer than three hours every night and would start her day with a two-hour exercise.
Before her 5 a.m. call time, she would spend up to two hours doing cosmetics after the strenuous workout.
Erivo’s conviction in the dual importance of mind and body led her to develop an unyielding regimen.
“I want both things to be in action,” she remarked, recognizing that such expectations may be unhealthy with an undertone. However, the aerial scenes necessitated exceptionally high levels of physical fitness to execute the intricate wirework flawlessly.
Erivo adopted a monastic lifestyle by abstaining from meat, smoking cigarettes, and consuming alcohol.
She used treatment and an infrared sauna blanket to get over the inevitable bruises. The fact that she said, “I stay indoors and try to make the two or three hours of sleep quality,” demonstrated her laser-like concentration.
Despite the intensity, Erivo took comfort in removing her makeup, a 90-minute break from her adrenaline-fueled days.
That being said, she did admit that it was “so hard” after being always energized. Every day was monumental. Every day was monumental. “None,” she said, highlighting how engrossing the part is.