Cynthia Erivo: The Art of Reading While Getting Inked

Cynthia Erivo on the Intersection of Reading and Creativity

As a culture critic, I find myself drawn to the narratives that shape our world, and few tend to weave their stories with such rich threads as Cynthia Erivo. Known not just for her role in 'Wicked' but also as the author of 'Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They're Too Much,' Erivo's insights reflect a mind alive with curiosity.

“I have to be still for a certain amount of time,” Erivo explains, revealing her unique reading habits.

For Erivo, reading transcends the mundane; it's a meditative process nestled between the hustle of her career. It's this reflection that resonates with many creatives (myself included). As I delve deeper into her literary tastes, it becomes evident that the stories she cherishes not only entertain but also foster a sense of community and belonging.

The Evolution of a Reader

In her interview, Erivo reminisces, “I was quite a quick reader and could fly through a book.” Yet, as life progresses, so too do her reading preferences. The freedom to choose what she reads now allows her to embrace depth—opting for stories that nourish character development rather than fleeting thrills.

Character Connections

One character that stands out for her is Shug Avery from 'The Color Purple.' She captures the essence of what it means to be authentically human—navigating love, pain, and forgiveness:

“She loves hard and plays harder, somehow finds the good in the people around her.”

Erivo's affinity for such characters speaks volumes about her belief in the transformative power of stories. It's a reminder that at our core, we all carry complexities that merit exploration.

Books That Resonate

When asked about the most impactful book in her life, Erivo reveals her connection to Cicely Tyson's autobiography, “Just as I Am.” With a vulnerability that speaks to her own journey, Tyson's words resonate deeply: “to be unapologetically you.”

A Reader's Paradise

Erivo's reading habits are anything but ordinary; she takes her books along when getting tattooed. It's a momentary pause, a chance to absorb different tales:

“I love to dive into a book and let my mind wander.”

This unexpected pairing of ink and literature reflects an interesting duality: how art in one form can inspire and inform art in another. At its best, such experiences remind us of the interplay between creativity and personal expression.

On Genres and Representation

Erivo's literary preferences lean heavily towards strong narratives, often sidelining horror in favor of biographies and fantasy—a reminder of her desire for deeper storytelling. In a brave suggestion, she wishes more narratives around polyamory existed, stating many portrayals tend to sensationalize rather than normalize these relationships:

“I'd like to see more of those stories in the mundane instead of a scandal.”

This belief aligns closely with my own conviction that stories should reflect the myriad ways in which human connections manifest.

Lessons from Elphaba

In her work narrating the audiobook for 'Elphie,' the 'Wicked' prequel, Erivo unearthed new layers about Elphaba's character: complexity, grief, and growth. Each insight seems to echo her own journey—art imitating life in the most profound ways:

“Even when you think you know her pretty well, a new layer unfolds.”

Every revelation found in these narratives does more than entertain; they enrich our lives and our understanding of the world around us.

Imagining a Literary Dinner Party

What if you could round up your literary icons? For Erivo, inviting Toni Morrison, Bram Stoker, and Ta-Nehisi Coates would spark dialogues we can only imagine. This gathering of minds underlines the power of literature to create connections across generations and genres.

Conclusion: The Gift of Words

Cynthia Erivo's story reminds us that literature isn't merely an escape; it's a conduit for expression, understanding, and transformation. With each book we dive into, we explore not just the world on the page but our own narratives. As I ponder our conversation, I'm reminded that every story, much like every life, holds the potential to illuminate and inspire.