prev next. The producers said his talent was what mattered. Quinn added that Bridgerton cast Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte and several other Black actors for a specific reason. That dual focus — the ability, from its casting onward, to straddle two worlds at once — is something that has been long understood on the London stage. In fact, as London theater observers of a certain generation can attest, this has long been common practice onstage here, across a range of titles and historical periods. — Bridgerton (@bridgerton) April 2, 2021. Watching these performers swoop onto the screen, I was reminded of the comparable dazzle some decades back when the actress Josette Simon, who is Black, made her National Theater debut in a 1990 production of Arthur Miller’s “After the Fall,” playing Maggie, a character thought to have been based on Miller’s second wife, Marilyn Monroe. The author was chosen to complete an unfinished work by William McIlvanney. We collect information on how quizzes are used so we can make them even better. Okay, now on to the series. “Was Mr. Wringer cast because he is Black?” Letts inquired rhetorically in his review. But the fact that the show rewrites history to bestow titles like queen and duke on Black characters does not make “Bridgerton” a project that features “color blind” casting. New podcast investigates an unsolved murder, Lawrence Chaney: Everyone should try drag at least once. It seems Hollywood is finally rethinking how it approaches casting, as the success of the inclusive Bridgerton shows. One of the most notable things about Bridgerton is its colour-blind casting, which I found a refreshing change for a period drama. GroundAlmonds Mon 02-Nov-20 15:22:58. Race was addressed once—in the fourth episode of the show—during a conversation between two Black characters, Lady Danbury and the Duke of Hastings. Nicola appeared on the British daytime talk show, This Morning's latest episode on Tuesday, i.e. 'Bridgerton' star Page absent from second series of Netflix smash hit. In addition, Netflix’s upcoming period piece “Bridgerton” will feature an entirely color-blind cast (see trailer above). It’s not long in “Bridgerton” before Simon Basset, an eligible Black aristocrat, announces himself with star-making swagger, and no shortage of naked flesh, in the sultry form of newcomer Regé-Jean Page. “If so, the R.S.C.’s clunking approach to politically correct casting has again weakened its stage product.” The company’s artistic director, Gregory Doran, shot back a statement comparing Letts to “an old dinosaur, raising his head from the primordial swamp.”. It cast several Black actors in high-society roles -- including Page -- despite the fact slavery was only abolished in 1833 in England and racism was rife. Its creators say that the casting was deliberately done in this way so that the label of ‘blind casting’ is an inaccurate one. Bridgerton sits somewhere in the middle of the spectrum, not really committed to color-conscious casting, but not color-blind either. EW takes you behind-the-scenes of Shondaland's Netflix debut, 'Bridgerton,' a Regency-era drama inspired by a series of romance novels. LONDON — As is so often the case, the theater got there first. Race is rarely mentioned in "Bridgerton," as the white Bridgerton family … Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan hopes that the Netflix Original will set a benchmark as to how 'diverse' period dramas can be. Its creators say that the casting was deliberately done in this way so that the label of ‘blind casting’ is an inaccurate one. The Actors' Equity Association is a co-founder.. Well, I finally clicked because I was bored and the first thing I saw was Shondaland! “Colour blind implies that colour and race isn’t considered,” says Van Dusen. It gave a magical twist to the term “colorblind casting.” ... Bridgerton did a lot of hinting or winking at race without actually ever going there. “I think color and race is very much a part of the show and very much a part of the conversation, just like things like class and gender and sexuality are. This is true to an extent; Bridgerton as a period drama had more actors of colour than you would expect to find in a historical series, and this didn’t go unnoticed. Take the quiz to find out. Instead, suggests Greig (who was interviewed further about the subject here ), it encourages us to think about it more carefully . Bridgerton, (Christmas period drama, colour blind casting) (190 Posts) Add message | Report. First; Previous; Next; Last; Go to page . From the glittering ballrooms of Mayfair to the aristocratic … Ruby Barker, who played Marina Thompson in Bridgerton, recently made the case that more productions should use colour-blind casting as it proves to be a success. At a time when London playhouses remain closed, such memories are the stuff of enjoyable reflection. Emma Caldwell's body was discovered in 2005. I nearly didn't watch it - the picture didn't draw me in and I thought it was going to be the usual. Either way, the prevailing desire has been to fashion a theatrical world that speaks to the multicultural reality of the country. The Actors' Equity Association is a co-founder.. I loved that the show didn’t just engage in blind casting thoughtlessly. On Shelf Isolation the stand-up praises Selfie by Will Storr. Lovely! She said: "It was very much a conscious choice, not a blind choice." In Bridgerton that happens … No less commanding is the Black actress Adjoa Andoh, who arches a mean eyebrow as Simon’s mentor of sorts, Lady Danbury. The way that race fits into the storyline seems to have been an afterthought. And a lot of that came from collaborating with the cast hand in … Two brothers seem to get away with a crime - but soon discover they can trust no-one. That remains the hope . The wildly popular series from "Grey's Anatomy" creator Shonda Rhimes puts a modern twist on the books about an upper-class family in early 19th-century England, including color-blind casting. Read about our approach to external linking. That show removed the play from the realm of gossip — that’s to say, how much was Miller revealing about the famously doomed actress to whom he was married? Debate and "color-consciousness" In the theatre community, there is significant debate over the concept of color-blind casting vs "color-conscious casting". Among them is Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte, a casting choice intended to reflect the view of some historians that King George III’s wife was biracial. Lace-up your corset and put up your dukes. Find out more. The National Theater has kept pace with “After the Fall” in its casting ever since. Mountaineers discover a young Serbian girl buried in a small chamber in the wilderness. “Bridgerton" harks back to a vanished England of corsets and chastity, while nodding toward the diverse society of today. But it’s instructive to note the immediate retaliation, in 2018, when the theater critic Quentin Letts, then writing for the Daily Mail, questioned the Royal Shakespeare Company’s casting of Leo Wringer, a Black actor, in a forgotten restoration comedy, “The Fantastic Follies of Mrs. Rich,” written in 1700. he is described as "a smart, headstrong young woman who suffers no fools - Anthony Bridgerton very much included." She explains: “It’s not that you’re ignoring race, but you’re thinking about it quite carefully. Amen! Liar liar pants on fire! Sometimes, as with a recent, and remarkable, “Amadeus” that featured the vibrant Black actor Lucian Msamati in the role of the Italian composer Antonio Salieri, the casting is colorblind, which means that the performer has been chosen irrespective of race. Newsletter Signup. Nicola appeared on the British daytime talk show, This Morning's latest episode on Tuesday, i.e. Debora Kayembe's lifelong fight for justice has come at a cost. The conversation, which … Elsewhere, as with the Young Vic’s “Death of a Salesman” in 2019, a conscious choice has been made — in that instance, to present the Loman family as Black to change our perspective on a familiar play. As such, race rarely comes up in the series and Black characters are elevated to positions of power. However, instead of presenting this as a world without racism, there were occasional references to the elevated position in society of non-white people being a recent change. “Bridgerton” looks at first as if it may be taking the first route, only to counter that assumption later on, when a surprise discussion among the characters steers the drama toward the second. Bridgerton is a Netflix period drama created and executive produced by Chris Van Dusen and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes and Betsy Beers.The series premiered December 25, 2020. Find out more. Netflix’s Bridgerton has proved itself to be a new sensation, having been streamed in 63 million households in the first four weeks of release – the streaming service’s very own diamond of the season, if you will. Based on Julia Quinn's best-selling series of novels, Bridgerton is set in the sexy, lavish and competitive world of Regency London high society. Kenneth Macleod talks about the crofting origins of Stornoway Black Pudding. Bridgerton is based on Julia Quinn’s beloved romance novel series of the same name, however, there are some stark differences between the Shonda Rhimes-produced drama and its source material. Bridgerton follows a recent trend of colour-blind casting in period dramas. Ashley previously starred in Netflix's Sex Education as Olivia and had a small part in Pokemon Detective Pikachu. The diversity in Netflix hit ‘Bridgerton’ is the result of ‘color blind casting’ colinmiller January 22, 2021 It seems simple: if you want more brown and black people in series and films, you just put together the cast as colorful as possible. First, the writer did the research and there was actually a biracial queen around that time. Calm down online bores, colour-blind casting isn’t ‘woke’ With Dev Patel as David Copperfield, movies have caught up with theatre’s creative approach Sat, Feb 1, 2020, 05:00 Film Is colorblind casting the secret to 'Bridgerton's' success? Stop your savings falling into the wrong hands with these tips. Are you a fully-fledged adult, or is adulting something that can just wait until tomorrow? Debate and "color-consciousness" In the theatre community, there is significant debate over the concept of color-blind casting vs "color-conscious casting". Netflix’s Bridgerton has proved itself to be a new sensation, having been streamed in 63 million households in the first four weeks of release – the streaming service’s very own diamond of the season, if you will. Always loved period drama and it's so lovely to be able to visualise myself in this period without the trauma of issues on race, slavery etc. Simone Ashley will star as the new character. The Non-Traditional Casting Project was founded in 1986 to examine problems of racial discrimination in theatre, film and television. Related: Film discussion forum. Casting calls and updates for Season 2 of "Bridgerton" on Netflix—plus, audition tips from Phoebe Dynevor and casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry. That daring is a hallmark of Shonda Rhimes, the TV hit-maker ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") who offers "Bridgerton" as the first entry in her reported $150 million deal to bring Shondaland content to Netflix. … In doing so, colour-blind casting was used to promote white supremacy, and take away opportunities for actors of colour.” Tran also points out th In January, Netflix announced that "Bridgerton" had become the streaming platform's most popular new series, watched by over 82 million households. It drops on Christmas Day. Are you prepared for the return of high heels? Netflix’s Bridgerton Is Just The Right Medicine The recent Netflix release, Bridgerton, with its colour-conscious casting, is just the answer that creative heads like Julian Fellowes need, who have every excuse to justify an all-white cast in their shows. What is Gary Barlow's expert advice for aspiring songwriters? Lester triumphed in the part, as he had across town at the Donmar Warehouse in 1996 when he became the first Black performer to play Bobby in a major production of the Stephen Sondheim-George Furth musical “Company.”. And one of the biggest is the fact that while … Will a ripple effect follow? Instead, suggests Greig (who was interviewed further about the subject here), it encourages us to think about it more carefully. This is true to an extent; Bridgerton as a period drama had more actors of colour than you would expect to find in a historical series, and this didn’t go unnoticed. Opponents – whether viewers, commentators or directors themselves – have often claimed that casting … ‘Bridgerton’s’ Approach to Race and Casting Has Precedent Onstage, https://www.nytimes.com/2021/01/21/theater/bridgerton-theater-colorblind-casting.html, Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte in the Netflix series “Bridgerton.”, Regé-Jean Page as Simon Basset in “Bridgerton.”. (She led the cast of a 2019 production of “Richard II” at Shakespeare’s Globe that was performed entirely by actresses of color.). The concept of “colour-blind” casting, though, is a contested one that risks ignoring the discrimination and industry imbalances which actors of colour face. The book that 'freed' comedian Fern Brady, Who killed Emma? Harumph! However, in the series, Kate Sheffield will be Kate Sharma, continuing Bridgerton's color-blind casting. Rege-Jean Page will not return for the second season of record-breaking Regency romance Bridgerton, Netflix said Friday, ... including color-blind casting. She said: "It was very much a conscious choice, not a blind … I’ve been waiting for this all year. Suddenly, a comparatively minor piece from the playwright seemed both more substantial and more moving, and Simon, who went on to play Cleopatra for the Royal Shakespeare Company just a few years ago, enjoyed a deserved moment of glory. How Bridgerton, the ‘diverse’ period drama, actually treats people of colour While there are more fresh faces on screen thanks to colour-blind casting and a move away from idealised historical accuracy, our treatment of race in period dramas still leaves a … Colour blind casting in favour of, say, people of Chinese descent is extremely rare and reinforces the impression that black people are somehow special-needs. The wildly popular series from Grey's Anatomy creator Shonda Rhimes puts a modern twist on the books about an upper-class family in early 19th-century England, including colour-blind casting. … A key aspect of the critical response to the series has been its colour-blind casting, which follows in the footsteps of other rejections of historical accuracy in favour of representation of … These days, casting across the racial spectrum mostly passes without comment here. So it seems entirely logical that “Bridgerton” features Black talent — including regulars on the London stage — as nobles and royalty. Bittersweet comedy about a Scottish boy locked in a family feud. The Non-Traditional Casting Project. Bridgerton’s casting is not necessarily ‘colour-blind’; to say that would imply that the drama does not consider the weight and history of colour and race. The Non-Traditional Casting Project was founded in 1986 to examine problems of racial discrimination in theatre, film and television. Bridgerton: 'It's not colour-blind casting, it's colour-conscious casting' We collect information on how quizzes are used so we can make them even better. January 12, 2021, wherein she spoke about Bridgerton's colour-blind casting.The Irish actor also expressed how her conversation with co-actor Adjoa Andoh helped her … Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan hopes that the Netflix Original will set a benchmark as to how 'diverse' period dramas can be. That daring is a hallmark of Shonda Rhimes, the TV hit-maker ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") who offers "Bridgerton" as the first entry in her reported $150 million deal to bring Shondaland content to Netflix. Much has been made of the presence across the eight-part series of Black actors populating a Jane Austen-style landscape that is usually shown onscreen as all white. Ruby Barker, who played Marina Thompson in Bridgerton, recently made the case that more productions should use colour-blind casting as it proves to be a success. Search . I’m referring to the approach to race and casting in “Bridgerton,” the sartorially splendid Netflix study in hyperactive Regency-era hormones that everyone’s talking about. From Bridgerton to Hamilton: A History of Color-Conscious Casting in Period Drama. January 12, 2021, wherein she spoke about Bridgerton's colour-blind casting.The Irish actor also expressed how her conversation with co-actor Adjoa Andoh helped her … Featuring a black queen, opulent costumes and "Fifty Shades"-like sex scenes, the Netflix series inspires and provokes in equal measure. From Bridgerton to Hamilton: A History of Color-Conscious Casting in Period Drama. Bridgerton (TV Series 2020– ) cast and crew credits, including actors, actresses, directors, writers and more. Netflix Casting calls and updates for Season 2 of "Bridgerton" on Netflix—plus, audition tips from Phoebe Dynevor and casting director Kelly Valentine Hendry. × Bridgerton, (Christmas period drama, colour blind casting) (190 Posts) Add message | Report. Bridgerton has set an unprecedented tone that TV casting should be colourblind (to a certain extent), and will no doubt inspire future productions to adopt the same approach. LONDON — As is so often the case, the theater got there first. Quinn added that Bridgerton cast Golda Rosheuvel as Queen Charlotte and several other Black actors for a specific reason. Apr 02, 10:57 PM EDT. Adrian Lester as Henry V at the National Theater in 2003. the second season of “Bridgerton” that Netflix has hinted at. It would be … Bridgerton’s casting is not necessarily ‘colour-blind’; to say that would imply that the drama does not consider the weight and history of colour and race. » Bridgerton, (Christmas period drama, colour blind casting) Start new thread in this topic | Watch this thread | Flip this thread | Refresh the display Sign in for more options Add a message; This is page 1 of 8 (This thread has 190 messages.) (Armando Iannucci set a big-screen precedent with his adaptation of David Copperfield.) 'Bridgerton' Switched Book Characters' Races for Series – Just Don't Call the Casting 'Color Blind' Jennifer Maas 12/21/2020 Over 4,000 migrants, many kids, crowded into Texas facility The fashion industry is gearing up for a return to glamour. It's the color-blind casting in "Bridgerton" that comes as a welcome surprise in a genre usually reserved for white actors. James Laurenson and Josette Simon in “After the Fall” at the National Theater in London in 1990. Why Ian Rankin's latest novel required an 'act of ventriloquism', Expert advice to help you avoid falling victim to scammers, "If somebody mentions black pudding the first thing they'll probably think of is Stornoway", Five ways to give your finances a spring clean, 'Fighting for justice is not an easy task', How 'Adult' are you? The Non-Traditional Casting Project. “Color and race are part of the show,” the series’s creator, Chris Van Dusen, told The New York Times last month. There’s been much discussion about the presence of Black actors in Regency England on the Netflix show, but performers of color have been playing historical roles in London theaters for decades. Author Kerri Andrews reveals how women's experiences have been overshadowed by men. It's the color-blind casting in "Bridgerton" that comes as a welcome surprise in a genre usually reserved for white actors. Though the casting here is a far cry from the source material, Quinn wholeheartedly endorses it. Nicola Coughlan Speaks Out About Concerns Over Bridgerton's "Color-Blind" Casting Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan opened up about the Netflix show's diverse cast and … One recent release that has helped turn the tide in favour of colour-blind casting is The Personal History of David Copperfield (2019), Armando Iannucci’s absurdist reinterpretation of the beloved Charles Dickens novel in which the titular hero is played by Dev Patel, a British actor with Indian heritage. I only hope that, if the second season of “Bridgerton” that Netflix has hinted at ever arrives, I will be squeezing it in between visits to the theater. However, colour-blind casting isn’t without its critics. Is colorblind casting the secret to 'Bridgerton's' success? In addition, Netflix’s upcoming period piece “Bridgerton” will feature an entirely color-blind cast (see trailer above). According to Deadline, Netflix's Bridgerton has cast Charithra Chandran as Edwina Sharma, ... who have since been renamed to Sharma to match the Shondaland series' race-blind casting. Golda Rosheuval as Queen Charlotte in particular sent a powerful message. Thought I was in a … “Bridgerton isn’t a history lesson; it’s a show for a modern audience,” she notes. That’s been true whether it’s been part of Britain’s pioneering interest in colorblind casting or, as with “Bridgerton,” when productions have played with audience expectations about race to make a point. The Drag Race winner on the 'perfect vessel to be unapologetically you'. However, when we take a closer look at the cast, there is not … Business ... including color-blind casting. Gone was that play’s previously blonde-wigged heroine: Instead, the director Michael Blakemore’s production raised new possibilities about the relationship between Miller’s male lead, the liberal-leaning lawyer Quentin, and the singing star and seductress who becomes his wife. Follow this clear advice if you find personal finance overwhelming. Bridgerton has set an unprecedented tone that TV casting should be colourblind (to a certain extent), and will no doubt inspire future productions to adopt the same approach. When I first heard that Shonda Rhimes would make her Netflix debut with Bridgerton, ... That is not at all to say the diverse, race-blind casting in Bridgerton is unnecessary. Snow; in 2003, another landmark Hytner staging, “Henry V,” put the Black stage and screen star Adrian Lester in the title role. It gave a magical twist to the term “colourblind casting.” ... Bridgerton did a lot of hinting or winking at race without actually ever going there. Apparently the second series has already been commissioned, so it must be pretty good. I just read the second book in the Bridgerton series and there is no oral sex! That fiery modern-dress production, with its evocations of the Iraq war, reminded audiences that combat can be blind to skin color — so why shouldn’t kingship? Two years later, Nicholas Hytner’s revelatory revival of “Carousel” brought the clarion-voiced Black actor Clive Rowe an Olivier nomination for his role as the sweet, fish-loving Mr.