Let’s be real— it isn’t only her complexion that sets our girl apart. It’s her fierce intellect and that unwavering moral compass that truly defines her. In a realm where power corrupts and propaganda reigns, Elphaba from Wicked fights for justice is a call to rise for those who dare to question falsified “powers” that be. Her transformation from outcast to activist is about embracing our true selves, even when the world seems determined to pin you down.
From books to Broadway to the cinema, Elphaba harmonizes with the voices that society often leaves on mute. Her emerald skin and the othering she faces are a metaphor for the experiences of women, girls, and femme-identifying people who’ve been forced into the margins. As intended by Gregory Maguire, the author of the original novel. In the hallowed halls of Shiz University, Elphaba’s isolation mirrors the struggles of countless individuals—people of color, queer, on the spectrum, disabled, and more—who are navigating spaces where existence feels like an act of defiance.
As @priscillawrites (Priscilla A) incisively put it:
“Since the Wicked premiere was last night, I think now is a good time to remind everyone that Wicked is a story about a weak man gaslighting an entire land into believing a woman was their enemy, all because she had the guts to try to stop him from him silencing and stripping the rights of a significant part of the population. Inherently political, and unfortunately relevant.”
For women and femme-identifying people of color, Elphaba’s journey is multi-hued. Her green skin—similar to my beloved She-Hulk from the comics (and only from the comics)—serves as an allegory for Black, Brown, and Golden women and girls. Although some deny it, Elphie is meant to inspire discussions on how race and identity intersect, providing a platform for audiences to reflect on real-world issues of discrimination and villainization. Just like the accused witches of yore, or lore, or witchever.
The new film adaptation, helmed by Jon M. Chu, amplifies these themes with a different perspective on Elphaba. With Cynthia Erivo donning the pointy black hat, this Wicked Witch of the West challenges perceptions even more. As a queer Black actress taking on the role, Erivo has been celebrated but also met with dissent for adding layers of representation to a character who was meant to represent intersections from her inception. By the way, the book Fiyero is described with dark or ochre skin. Just in case that helps.
That’s what makes Elphaba’s narrative so compelling. Just like Kermit the Frog sang, “It’s not easy being green,” which is another recognition of the difficulties of being seen as secondary or outside of the center. The cultural impact of Wicked extends to influencing how audiences perceive and engage with issues of social justice due to Elphie’s fight for equality for herself, her disabled sister, Nessarose, and the Talking Animals. Reminding us that the fight isn’t just for one group or another but one of unity. The reactions from women-of-every-age and queer folk highlight the touchstone Elphaba has become, particularly for those who see aspects of our struggles reflected in her. The movie musical’s ability to address these themes with Erivo and Marissa Bode, the first Nessarose who truly uses a wheelchair, is why the buzz won’t stop for months to come.
On the pink side of the coin, Glinda is coded as good because she conforms. Before she gains real magic, her only talent is…oh my wands and wizards, y’all…when we first meet the woman formerly known as Galinda, the girl is a pick-me trope. Her power is conformity. It’s her sisterhood with Elphie and the subsequent regret that changes her. In that way we could see Glinda as a reverse Paul Atreides from DUNE—at pivotal points, one is good when the other is becoming terrible, and they both end up in the position to rule. If you’ve read or watched either story you’ll know which is witch. If not, I’ll stop there.
As we’re being swept up in the spectacle and emotion, we can’t forget that so many people still object to a Black woman portraying a mythical green one. Something that makes no sense: Isn’t green green? The flying monkeys as super spies—yes. The talking goat in spectacles—yes. But another human being is somehow unrealistic? It’s a puzzlement reflected in the anger about actress Nico Parker‘s casting as Astrid in the How to Train Your Dragon live-action, despite the fact she closely resembles the character when her hair is dyed blonde. Still, there are cries for authenticity and accusations of appropriation for a mostly animated franchise about dragon-riding Vikings who ride dragons because there are dragons and also…dragons. Although, historically, Vikings were part of the gig economy—it was a job title. They traveled the seven seas and picked up people along the way because of their pillaging habit. Thus, you can bet they did a lot of, um, recruiting.
So, pour the ale or the mead and raise your drinking horns. Cheers to Elphaba, our emerald queen of rebellion. May she continue to inspire us to question the narratives we’ve been fed and to stand up for each other’s equality, because green is golden.
