Wicked star Cynthia Erivo discusses representing black and queer people as Elphaba, having to 'detach' from the character and her once in a lifetime bond with Ariana Grande

Cynthia Erivo has opened up on her Wicked experience and how she feels Elphaba is a representation of black and queer people because of her 'otherness'.

The actress, 38, said the film opened up conversation about racism and queerness, as she discussed the blockbuster in AnOther's spring/summer issue.

Cynthia stars opposite Ariana Grande's Glinda in the film and the two have been open about the deep bond they formed while filming the two-part epic.

Discussing what it was like to play someone so outcast by society, Cynthia said: 'It's a green witch. But I think what they see also is so many parts of me. 

'There's a deep understanding of what it feels like when you don't fit, what it feels like to constantly want to be accepted and not be accepted...

'What it feels like to know what your responsibility is and to have to be brave enough to take it, what it feels like to feel like you have more to offer but nobody believes that you have that in you.'

'The green skin is like the umbrella under which the "other" lives. So yes, it's a conversation about racism, but it's also a conversation about anyone who's been othered. It's a conversation about queerness.

'The green sets Elphaba apart from everybody else. She is the ultimate other. And I think there's this added responsibility because I'm a black woman underneath that green, so we can also really have the conversation about what it's like to be a black woman when nobody wants you there.'

Cynthia also revealed that she has to detach herself from her characters because she gives so much of herself to each role and 'cares deeply' about them.

She said: 'I don't know how not to give each of the characters an actual part of myself. I don't know how not to pour myself into the character. 

'I think I've got very good at making sure that I take the time at the end of these projects to let them go a little bit and make some space for myself to come back in.  

'I want to be able to give myself fully to whichever character comes along next. I think it's because I really do care deeply about each of these characters. They become people I love.'

Cynthia and Ariana's relationship has has been one of the great platonic love stories of the year. They first met after they'd been cast.

Cynthia said: 'That feels so strange because it's like I've known her forever. I don't think people realise that's not a natural occurrence on a film set. 

Revealing it was a special bond, she said: 'It doesn't happen very often. Yes, you make friends on a film, and acquaintances, you get close to people, but this, this kind of connection, doesn't happen often.'

Alongside the interview, Cynthia posed for an incredible fashion shoot in a series of quirky looks - including a Madonna style cone bra corset.

The actress also stunned in a rose print dress, which she wore with a statement black hat and her signature long nails.

Other looks included a long draping black dress as well as a striped version with a matching floppy hat.

Read the full interview on the AnOther website