The first thing that becomes clear queen cleopatraavailable on Netflix is that, despite the luxurious and detailed visual section, it is not a historical investigation, although in the first chapter the historian Shelley Haley explains the context of the controversial conclusion of the production. According to the plot hypothesis, the Ptolemaic monarch was one of the great figures with African blood who came to power in the ancient world.
queen cleopatra He argues that the historical depictions known so far, which depict Cleopatra with Greek features and white skin, are incorrect. That, in fact, she was a black woman and proud of it. But Professor Mr. African Studies at Hamilton College he does not offer a theory based on his vast knowledge of history. Rather, it synthesizes what appears to be a presumption that is difficult to verify. He even admits to it, telling an anecdote from his childhood. In front of the cameras, she says she remembers her grandmother insisting that the Queen of Egypt was African. It does not provide specific data or any other information about this.
Conceived in this way, it is still an abstract statement that sets the tone of the series. Instead of presenting evidence supporting Cleopatra’s ethnic origin, the argument from queen cleopatra is dedicated to exploring what a second interpretation of his figure might be.
queen cleopatra
The Netflix docudrama Queen Cleopatra tries to answer questions about the color of the sovereign’s skin in four episodes. But the production fails to cover all the topics it offers, despite having a large panel of experts to open up a debate about the African genealogy of the Egyptian queen. To a large extent, their conclusions are based on unsupported assumptions, data, or something more solid than theories of historical reinterpretation. In its final episode, the series fails to explore just one part of the wide scope of Cleopatra’s life and legacy. An incomplete review that does not delve into its main elements.
What was not answered in queen cleopatra
Most of the invited experts wonder how the West imagines a powerful woman in Egypt. This includes questions about the rigor of representing her in accordance with a certain European ideal of beauty.
Of course, these are relevant questions, but there is no answer to them. At least not strongly enough to follow the thread of events that are dramatized below. These include accession to the throne Cleopatra (Adele James) or her political decisions in turbulent times. The production – with a brilliant recreation that appeals to aesthetics, symbolizing strength – is based on questions that are also not explored.
What was the court like for a young woman who also came from a long line of conquerors and warriors? Gifted with the intrigues of power and aware of Egypt’s place in the ancient world, Cleopatra is a figure of subtle nuances. At least that’s how she is shown in the documentary, in an attempt to make her character mysterious.
Queen Cleopatra he goes out of his way to claim that the powerful figure may have been a black woman. Speculation based on the lack of information about his mother. Which, moreover, is a risky point of view. In the absence of data on one of their family lines, a Nubian or other ethnic origin can be assumed. But you can never verify beyond speculation. What is the reason that the docudrama can’t get into its theory the way it was originally supposed to.
Power of the legendary queen
Combining the usual academic documentary format with historical drama, Queen Cleopatra try to get into several points at once. On the one hand, in the controversial issue of its origin, skin color, and how both affect its interpretation as a universal emblem of a particular community.
On the other hand, how the monarch fought to protect his children from the siege of Egypt, devastated by internal wars. This narrative is intended to emphasize the importance of the sovereign’s intelligence and strategic gifts. In addition, the strength of his character and character.
However, starting from the second series, intriguing conclusions about education and intellectual abilities Cleopatra they despise. Instead, the discussion focuses on the controversial idea of using her portrayal of a white woman instead of portraying black historical figures.
An approach that, while allowing one to delve into the topics of interest about racism, discrimination, and prejudice, does little to contribute to the script’s approach. Ultimately, the weight of the story falls on the great unresolved diatribe, the question of whether Cleopatra was a black woman and how the impact of this information—apparently hidden and distorted—affects his perception of her.
queen cleopatra A highly controversial historical interpretation.
At the end of the fourth chapter, it is clear that the series wants to open up space for a broader debate about how the story is perceived. Especially at a time when different interpretations can reach a larger and more resonant place.
Nevertheless, Queen Cleopatra It is an imperfect staging that relies on possible controversy to exalt its point of view. This does not necessarily lead to a deeper understanding of the Queen of Egypt as a leader, a figure of power, and even as a woman surrounded by atypical pressures and obligations.
If there’s anything missing between scenes of sensitive settings and emphatic expert testimonies, it’s purpose. What did directors Tina Garavi and Victoria Adeola Thomas want when they created a board for a theory that can’t be supported by the same argument?
The answer is ambiguous and prosaic. Perhaps the intention was for the clash between the two versions to be a way to understand the urgency of revisiting Cleopatra as a symbol. However, the docudrama that bears his name falls short of the aspirations and build to achieve something like this. The biggest problem is essentially an ambitious story.
Source: Hiper Textual
