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By Shane Gilreath
Late last week, it was announced that Cynthia Erivo, who you may know as “Elphaba” in the recent film adaptation of the musical “Wicked,” would play Jesus Christ in a Hollywood production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Jesus Christ Superstar.” If social media is an indicator, I wasn’t the only person offended. In casting someone like Erivo,unquestionably talented, to play the historical Jesus is a slap in the face to billions of believers all over the world. My offense, though, was not simply religious. My offense was historic, and yet, I accept that, largely, productions make these outrageous and highly inaccurate casting choices just for the publicity that it brings their project. And if I must stamp my feet, that’s just not fair. As one who’s been outspoken on this topic in the past – I’ve even caught some slack on the issue –for the sake of the historic record, I’m comfortable catching some heat again. This reminds me of a few years ago when a production cast an actress of color, Jodie Turner-Smith, as Queen Anne Boleyn. As an historian, I take serious issue with these inaccuracies, including color blind casting in historic dramas. Despite what the modern world seems to think, there is a truth somewhere in history, and misleading –perhaps ever, but certainly for the sake of political correctness – in a subject where we should seek accuracy is a shame. It attempts to change who we are, where we came from, and it lacks responsibility. Though sometimes questionable (I must admit!), as adults, we might know there is a truth beyond stage and screen, but young, impressionable children, who should be learning history, will not. These type projects, beyond their potential blasphemy, confuse the past and they try desperately to meld antiquity and the 16th Century with the 21st. Though she is my favorite of Henry VIII’s wives, history has called Queen Anne Boleyn many things – a witch, an adulteress, a harlot, a heretic, and a saint – but history has never called her black. History, too, has not always been kind of Jesus of Nazareth, but never has he been called female. These things are simple fact. Truths of historic figures are important, if for no other reason the historic record. If we’re to pass those histories on, it’s crucial that we get them right. As a result, I happen to think that Cynthia Erivo, talented though she is, should be cast in parts that suit her remarkable talents. I have little doubts that she can sing the part of Jesus – like a bird, I’m sure – but she can never quite embody the part in the ways that Jonathan Roumie has in “The Chosen” or Robert Powell or Jim Caviezel before him. Even though we’re told ‘there’s no such thing as bad publicity,’ casting for attention and merely to look progressive is a very slippery slope. The past – and the future – deserve better.