Earlier this year, Netflix’s captivating four-part documentary, ‘Queen Cleopatra,’ caused quite a stir due to the casting of Cleopatra herself. The show, narrated by the talented Jada Pinkett Smith, aims to explore the life of the legendary Egyptian ruler as part of the African Queens series. Pinkett Smith, who is also the producer, expressed her desire to represent Black women through this project.
The controversy surrounding the casting decision revolves around the portrayal of Cleopatra by biracial actress Adele James. This has sparked discussions about Cleopatra’s racial identity and the accuracy of historical representation.
The Intention of Representation
Jada Pinkett Smith saw ‘Queen Cleopatra’ as an opportunity to shed light on the stories of powerful Black queens that are often overlooked. She emphasized the historical significance of notable Black women who played instrumental roles in African nations. Pinkett Smith believes that their narratives deserve to be heard. However, this casting choice has led to criticism and sparked a larger conversation about the real-life Cleopatra’s racial identity.
Backlash and Concerns of Cultural Appropriation
Upon the release of the trailer, a wave of criticism emerged, particularly from Egyptians who felt that the series was appropriating their culture and rewriting their history. The primary argument made by Egyptians was that portraying Cleopatra as a Black woman is historically inaccurate. Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former antiquities minister, stated that Cleopatra was of Greek origin and had a light complexion. Some Egyptians saw the casting decision as an attempt to distort their history and expressed concerns about non-Egyptians claiming Egyptian heritage.
Unfortunately, this controversy escalated online, with Adele James facing harassment and racism. She took a stand against the negativity, sharing screenshots of the abusive messages she received on Twitter. James made it clear that such behavior would not be tolerated. She encouraged those who disagreed with the casting choice to opt not to watch the show and engage in respectful discussions instead of resorting to hate.
Historical Perspectives and Debates
The debate surrounding Cleopatra’s racial identity has persisted for centuries. Netflix acknowledges this controversy and recognizes the diverse heritage of Cleopatra herself. During her reign, Egypt’s population was multicultural and multiracial, with speculation about her being either a native Egyptian or of Greek descent. The casting choice for ‘Queen Cleopatra’ was intended as a nod to the ongoing conversation about Cleopatra’s race.
Academics have expressed differing perspectives on the matter. Sally Ann Ashton, an academic interviewed for the series, argued that if Cleopatra identified as an Egyptian, contemporary representation should reflect her potential African heritage. Ashton emphasized that Cleopatra ruled Egypt long before the Arab settlement in North Africa. Therefore, if the maternal side of Cleopatra’s family had indigenous women, they would likely have been African. Ashton believes that this potential African heritage should be reflected in the show.
Broader Themes of Representation and Identity
Beyond the debates surrounding historical accuracy and cultural appropriation, the ‘Queen Cleopatra’ controversy touches on broader issues of representation and identity. Critics argue that accurate portrayals in historical dramas, especially in documentary formats, are crucial to preserving history and avoiding the distortion of civilizations. However, others contend that attempting to apply modern racial categories to historical figures is anachronistic. Instead, they suggest that the focus should be on Cleopatra’s accomplishments as a powerful ruler, rather than solely on her racial identity.
Furthermore, the controversy around ‘Queen Cleopatra’ highlights the ongoing discussions about representation in the media and the importance of diverse storytelling. The casting of Adele James provides an opportunity for underrepresented communities to see themselves reflected in historical narratives. This promotes inclusivity and challenges traditional narratives that have perpetuated racial stereotypes.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Netflix’s ‘Queen Cleopatra’ series demonstrates the complexity of representing historical figures and the ongoing debates about Cleopatra’s racial identity. While the casting choice has faced backlash from Egyptians, due to concerns of historical accuracy and cultural preservation, the lack of definitive evidence about Cleopatra’s lineage allows for interpretation and encourages discussions about representation and the diversity of ancient civilizations. As the series is released, the impact of this controversy on the perception and reception of ‘Queen Cleopatra’ and future historical portrayals in the media remains to be seen.
