A big question in the world of musical theatre revolves around whether roles of disabled characters should go to disabled actors or actresses only. This is relevant now as Jenna Bainbridge joins the Broadway cast of Wicked. The character she plays, Nessarose, is in a wheelchair, yet Bainbridge is the first disabled actress to play her since the show opened in 2003. For those familiar with the book, this is a notable difference as in the book, Elphaba’s sister Nessarose is born with no arms. It is likely that the change on stage was done for an easier way to portray the character.
Many Broadway theatres are not made to be easily accessible to the disabled. This may be why most of the roles of disabled characters go to non-disabled actors as they can easily leave the wheelchair or not use whatever mobility aid they may be using once they leave the stage. For a disabled actor, the backstage must be accessible and able to be used just like anyone else. They must be able to manoeuvre backstage and have ample time & space to get from the stage to their dressing room or anywhere else they may have to be, which would be more difficult than it would be for an able-bodied individual.
Bainbridge has been open about her role as a disabled actress and uses her platform to be a disability rights activist. Not all her roles have been disabled characters originally in the script. Imaginings of the show have had to change the staging for some of her roles, such as Belle in Beauty and the Beast, to accommodate her disability, but it does not deter from her acting ability. Now that she is playing a character whose life is in most ways built around that disability, time will tell how Bainbridge may use this platform to further her goals and spread more awareness.
DISCLAIMER: I am not disabled, and do not claim to speak on behalf of that community. These are solely my views.
Kathryn McElfresh
Staff Reporter
