Renowned actress Cynthia Erivo, known for her role in Wicked, has spoken out about facing what she labels as ‘institutional racism’ during her time at RADA. She revealed instances where she was asked to sing backstage while a white actress lip-synched to her voice in a production during her studies at the prestigious drama school in 2010.
Erivo, who was one of only four black students in a class of 34, detailed feeling like an outsider due to “microaggressions and misunderstandings” throughout her education at RADA. In her upcoming memoir Simply More, set for paperback release later this year, she shares her struggles and the challenges she faced during her final-year production of Stephen Sondheim’s Company.
The actress expressed her disappointment at being overlooked for a significant role in the musical and later being asked to provide vocals offstage while another actress mimed on stage. This experience left her feeling marginalized and as if her voice was taken away from her.
Despite the setbacks, Erivo’s determination was unwavering, and she vowed never to allow herself to be humiliated in such a manner again. She reflected on the incident and emphasized the importance of claiming her own voice and talent.
In a surprising turn of events, Erivo was appointed as a Vice-President of RADA in 2024, a milestone that holds deeper significance in her journey. Since graduating from RADA, Erivo has garnered acclaim for her performances, earning prestigious awards and nominations in various productions.
Responding to Erivo’s account, a spokesperson for RADA expressed regret over the experiences she described and reiterated the institution’s commitment to an inclusive and supportive environment for all students.
Fans can anticipate the release of the paperback edition of Erivo’s book, Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much, in the UK on October 22, 2026, with pre-order options available online.
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