Cynthia Erivo Hopes ‘Prima Facie’ Sparks Debate on Consent

Why ‘Prima Facie’ Matters Now

Cynthia Erivo, the Emmy, Tony and two‑time Grammy winner, believes her new stage role could become a catalyst for public dialogue on consent. In a recent Screen Talk session at the London Film Festival, Erivo explained that the play’s raw portrayal of a sexual assault trial is designed to make audiences confront uncomfortable truths.

Erivo’s Vision for the Play

Playing Tessa, a lawyer who becomes a victim herself, Erivo said she hopes the narrative will push people to ask: How do we receive a claim of non‑consent? She added that the courtroom scenes are deliberately unsettling, forcing viewers to sit with the ambiguity and power dynamics that often accompany real‑world cases.

Key Themes Explored

The legal burden placed on survivors
Societal tendencies to doubt or silence victims
The intersection of personal trauma and professional duty

Michelle Yeoh’s Persistent Question

During the interview, Erivo recalled a question her co‑star from the hit musical Wicked, Michelle Yeoh, asks her whenever they meet: “Are you still fighting for the same thing?” The query, Erivo explained, reflects a shared commitment to using their platforms for social change.

From ‘Wicked’ to ‘Prima Facie’

Both productions, though vastly different in tone, give Erivo a stage to explore power structures. While Wicked examines the mythic origins of the Wicked Witch, Prima Facie puts a contemporary legal battle under the spotlight. Erivo sees a through‑line: the need to give voice to those who have been silenced.

Public Reaction and Critical Acclaim

Since its debut in Melbourne, the play has received rave reviews from critics who praise its unflinching honesty. The Guardian’s review highlighted Erivo’s “magnetic presence” and the way the production “forces a national reckoning on consent.” Audiences in London have reported similar feelings of unease and reflection, suggesting the play is achieving Erivo’s goal.

Box Office Impact

Sold‑out performances in the West End
Extended run due to high demand
Increased ticket sales for related discussions and workshops

Broader Cultural Context

The timing of Prima Facie aligns with ongoing global conversations about sexual violence, especially following high‑profile cases that have dominated headlines. Legal scholars note that public perception of consent often lags behind legislative reforms. A recent study from the University of Oxford found that many people still equate consent with silence, a misconception the play directly challenges.

How Theatre Can Influence Policy

When art mirrors reality, it can inspire lawmakers to reconsider existing frameworks. Erivo mentioned that after a performance, a group of law students approached her with ideas for a mock trial exercise based on the script. Such grassroots initiatives demonstrate the play’s potential to ripple beyond the auditorium.

Erivo’s Call to Action

At the end of the Screen Talk, Erivo urged viewers to keep the conversation alive. She suggested three practical steps:

Listen without judgment when someone shares a story of non‑consent
Educate yourself on the legal definitions of consent in your jurisdiction
Support organizations that provide legal aid to survivors

She emphasized that change starts with individual responsibility, and that the arts can serve as a powerful springboard for that shift.

Looking Ahead

With a limited run in London, Erivo hopes the production will travel to other major cities, sparking similar dialogues worldwide. She also hinted at a possible filmed adaptation, which could broaden the reach of the conversation even further.

Whether on stage or screen, Cynthia Erivo’s commitment to using her talent for social impact remains unwavering. As she puts it, “If ‘Prima Facie’ makes even one person question how we receive a lack of consent, the work is worth every ounce of effort.”