'Wicked' stars Rebekah Lowings and Eve Shanu-Wilson on Elphaba-Glinda's bond: 'Friends challenge you, not just cheer you on'

The musical ‘Wicked’ has been casting the magical spell all around the world. The story of two iconic witches and their unforgettable friendship as they face the world is a spectacle to watch. At the heart of it are Elphaba and Glinda, performed by Rebekah Lowings and Eve Shanu-Wilson. As these two performers continue to entertain Mumbai at NMACC, the Grand Theatre, with the witchy tale, they sat with us for an exclusive conversation, where they talked about taking over the stage with their powerful journey. This journey of theirs comes with its own challenges, milestones, and anecdotes that melt hearts.

Here are the excerpts from our conversation.

Has playing this role changed the way you view friendship, ambition, or being “different”?
Rebekah (Elphaba): Playing Elphaba has definitely deepened my understanding of what it means to be fearless in what you believe in. But she doesn’t start fearless; she grows into her power. It’s that, mixed with her true vulnerability, that truly makes her human. And a beautifully relatable character. The friendship with Glinda - though deeply flawed- reminds me how vital it is to have someone who sees you fully, even when your paths diverge.

Eve Shanu-Wilson (Glinda): Glinda has made me really appreciate the female friendships I have in my life. I think sometimes we can take those people for granted, but I absolutely couldn’t get through without my friends, and it’s been a really beautiful wake-up call or realisation. Her friendship with Elphaba has also reminded me that true friends challenge you, not just cheer you on… and that letting go, when necessary, can be an act of love too. And art reflects life in that way; I know that Bekki’s friendship has been a game-changer. She is the most caring person, but also encourages me to be my most authentic self, and face things head-on and unapologetically. I have never felt so seen by someone, and that’s so special.

How does performing ‘Wicked’ in a new cultural context change the energy on stage, if at all?
Rebekah (Elphaba): Absolutely. Every city has a unique sense of self, and you can feel that from audience to audience - in Mumbai, I know there’s such a love of music, drama, and big emotion, which we are so excited to experience. Hearing from the audience during the show with laughs and cheers and applause really spurs us on and makes us feel appreciated- and we, in turn, appreciate them all too!

Eve Shanu-Wilson (Glinda): You sense what lands, what surprises people, and that shapes the rhythm of the performance in a really exciting way. Wicked is universal, but the way each culture reacts to humour, heartbreak, and spectacle gives us fresh colours to play with every night.

Elphaba and Glinda are complex, layered characters. What part of your character do you think Indian audiences will connect with most?
Rebekah (Elphaba): I think audiences in Mumbai will really connect with Elphaba’s determination to stand up for what she believes in, even when it costs her. There’s also something very relatable about feeling like you don’t quite fit the mould yet still choosing to fight for justice and protect the people you love. That mix of vulnerability and strength is what makes her so human.

Eve Shanu-Wilson (Glinda): With Glinda, I think people will recognise the pressure to appear perfect. She loves the spotlight, but she’s also constantly trying to please everyone and live up to expectations. Underneath the sparkle, she’s figuring out who she really is. That journey from image to authenticity is something many people, especially young audiences, will see themselves in. And I think it’s a great example of how, in an age of social media, important friendships are in shaping you as a person going into your adult life.


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