The trailers for the new Netflix documentary about Cleopatra have caused a lot of outrage. Who knew people were so passionate about ancient Egypt.
The new documentary about Cleopatra features re-enactment scenes with British actress Adele James taking the role of Cleopatra VII, the last ruler of the Ptolemaic dynasty. When Netflix launched the trailer it had to eventually turn off comments after lots of negative comments. The controversy was about the choice of a black actress to portray the queen.
A petition was also launched on change.org which attracted over 85,000 signatures before it was withdrawn.
While it is likely true that Cleopatra, being of Greek descent on her father’s side, would not have been black, nothing is known of her mother. Her mother may have been black. Heritage was not something that was considered important in ancient Egypt. If anyone adopted Egyptian culture then they were considered Egyptian. Her heritage is a one of the topics covered in the documentary.
Executive producer Jada Pinkett Smith, has added “Cleopatra’s heritage has been the subject of much academic debate, which has often been ignored by Hollywood”.
“Now our series re-assesses this fascinating part of her story.”
Are people complaining actually bothered about the authenticity of the depiction of Cleopatra? Does a black actress have any impact on the telling of the story?
More likely it is an excuse to complain about the inclusion of yet another black person on the screen without admitting that they are complaining about black people. Of course people might consider this a form of cultural imperialism by Jada Pinkett Smith. This would be strange as no one has ever been bothered about the authenticity of any of the many films about Cleopatra. Not a single one has had a Greek actress.