Historical dramas are a much-loved genre and in recent years, the diversity, or lack thereof, in some shows has opened up a conversation about what we really know about history. My research bridges the gap between historical dramas, its representation of ethnic minorities, and what this can tell us about the past. In particular, I focus on the fact Black people in France were not just enslaved but were a part of both common and royal societies. My research delves deeper into the decisions made by the showrunners, writers and directors, but also shows how there is scope to portray a diverse early modern France based on historical evidence. In addition to enabling a wide range of stories to be shared, this also creates an important educational avenue through which many people can discover aspects of history they had not previously encountered.

Eesha Waseem

Read the article here: Waseem | How historical dramas showcase a diverse seventeenth century France: Versailles and BBC The Musketeers | Fields: journal of Huddersfield student research

History Historical Drama French History Seventeenth Century France Race Early Modern History Diverse History TV shows BBC