The Tudor play 1536, backed by Margot Robbie as executive producer, lands in London's West End. It tells the story of three working-class women in Essex who, while awaiting the execution of Anne Boleyn, share drinks and reflections on their fate. Robbie highlights that the script captivated her because, despite being set in 1536, the dialogue reflects current conversations.
The staging: a technical journey to the 16th century 🎭
The production opts for a minimalist stage design that contrasts with the harshness of the era. The sets recreate an Essex tavern with dim lighting and ambient sound of distant bells. The costumes, woven from wool and linen, avoid the shine of palace dramas. The direction prioritizes close-ups and silences, forcing the viewer to focus on the actresses' gestures and pauses.
Spoiler: the Tudors didn't have mobile coverage either 📱
If 1536 proves anything, it's that without Netflix or WhatsApp, 16th-century women already mastered the art of gossip and existential complaint. While waiting for Anne's beheading, the protagonists discuss impossible loves and meager wages. Almost 500 years later, we're still the same, but at least now we can do it with a mojito in hand.