Queens

natpereinasing

QUEENS

Series - History

9 x 45'

At the height of the Renaissance, two powerful women, Mary Stuart and Elizabeth I of England, face off in an epic conflict that intertwines religion, politics and personal rivalries. In a 16th century dominated by the strenght of Spain under Charles V and Philip II, Europe is a battleground between the Protestant Reformation and Catholicism, with a vigilant Papacy and the great monarchies - Spain, France and England - immersed in intrigues and strategic alliances.

'Queens' presents not only the struggle of these two iconic sovereigns, but also the web of conspiracies surrounding Mary, caught up in the game of spies and betrayals. From the betrayal of her husband Darnley, an English spy, and her advisor David Rizzio, an agent of the Holy Alliance, to the moment she loses her throne and her life, Mary's story is full of passion and tragedy.

Throughout this fascinating series, the luxury and splendor of the Renaissance come to life, along with key events of intrahistory: the first chess tournament, the rise of firearms, and the first national secret services. Each court, each character, reveals the intrigue and drama of a Europe in the throes of transformation, where power games ultimately shaped the world as we know it.

THE QUEENS:

Elizabeth I of England

The reign of Elizabeth I marked a crucial period in the history of Europe and Western civilization. Under her rule, known as the “Elizabethan era,” England established itself as a leading European power in politics, commerce and the arts. Elizabeth, leader of the Anglican Church and an avowed enemy of the Papacy, developed a skillful and strategic policy, manipulating the interests of France and Spain in opposition to the intrigues of Rome.

Famous for her firm character and great talent, the “Virgin Queen” stood out for her numerous virtues, one of the most important being her ability to choose competent collaborators who contributed to the success of her reign. Although her virginity has been a subject of speculation, Elizabeth I left an indisputable legacy and cemented a golden era in English history.

Mary Stuart

When Mary Stuart was crowned Queen of Scots six days after her birth, no one could have imagined the tragic fate that awaited her. During her lifetime, Mary was used as a piece on a chessboard of international ambitions and conflicts, particularly in the strategies of Queen Elizabeth I of England, her cousin. Elizabeth, as leader of the Anglican Church, was in constant tension with the Papacy, which was trying, in vain, to draw the powerful Catholic King Philip II of Spain into a war against England. Mary also found herself caught up in the interests of Catherine de Medici, the shrewd queen regent of France and her former mother-in-law, who pulled the political strings to protect her kingdom.

In Scotland, her own son, Prince James, who would later become heir to the throne, would betray Mary in his lust for power, allying himself with the forces that sought to remove his mother from the crown. Mary Stuart's life, marked by intrigues, betrayals and rivalries between the powers of Europe, would culminate in a tragedy that would consolidate her place in history.

CREDITS:

Created by: José Luis Moreno

Directed by: Manuel Carballo, José Luis Moreno

Cast: Olivia Chenery, Rebecca Scott, Matt McClure, Harry Jarvis, Crispin Redman, Carlos Camino, Adrián Castiñeiras, Fernando Gil, Viveka Rytzner, Roddy Walker, Nick Cornwall, Leo Hatton, Laura Ledesma, Gonzalo Ramos, Landher Iturbe, Andy Beckwith, Raül Tortosa, Fernando Oyagüez, David Villaraco, James Lee Taylor, Paloma Bloyd, David G. Pelta, Néstor Navas, Manuel Tamargo, Ana Adams, Nigel Billing, Benjamin Fisher, Cerith Flinn, Yaiza Guimaré, Ruben Jones

Year: 2017

An RTVE production in collaboration with the BBC.