Description
Book SynopsisQueen Victoria''s Golden Jubilee, 1887. At East London''s Tilbury Docks, Rani Das and Abdul Karim, step ashore after the long voyage from India. One has to battle a society who deems her a second-class citizen; the other forges an astonishing entanglement with the ageing Queen Victoria who finds herself enchanted by stories of an India over which she rules, but has never seen. Through narrative, music and song,
The Empress blends the true story of Queen Victoria's controversial relationship with her Indian servant and Munshi' (teacher), Abdul Karim, with the experiences of Indian ayahs who came to Britain during the 19th century. With private romance being mapped onto world history, the action cuts between the ship and different royal residences, offering bright contrasts as well as surprising affinities. In doing so, the play uncovers remarkable unknown stories of 19th-century Britain and charts the growth of Indian nationalism and the romantic proclivities of one of Britain''s
Trade ReviewGupta's play records the rage felt at the injustices of imperial domination. * Guardian *
The epic journey of the five characters in
The Empress is not only magical and intoxicating, but historically enlightening. * Birmingham Mail *
Table of ContentsChronology COMMENTARY PLAYWRIGHT CONTEXT 1. Late-19th-century imperial context 2. Context within which the play was written and rehearsed in 2012/13 3. RSC’s commissioning strategy for new plays THEMES 1. Class 2. Race 3. Gender 4. Religion 5. British Empire CHARACTERS (HISTORICAL & FICTIONAL) & CHARACTERISATION DIALOGUE DRAMATIC DEVICES 1. RSC production: sets, costumes, role of instrumental music and song 2. Use of short scenes to create a visual and textual mosaic RESPONSE Audience and press response PLAY TEXT FURTHER READING AND VIEWING
