The enigma that has been termed a “literary mystery” has aroused much discussion. The burning of famous author Jane Austen’s letters by her sister, Cassandra Austen, is the subject in question. A new drama titled Miss Austen is set to premiere on the BBC this Sunday, and will make its way to PBS in the U.S. in May. The narrative is told through the lens of sisterly affection and the bond of sisterhood.
Actress Keeley Hawes, known for her roles in Bodyguard, Line of Duty, and It’s A Sin, and who portrays Cassandra Austen in the series, shared her views at a recent promotional event in London. She expressed that Cassandra’s act, though viewed by many Austen fans as a cultural act of vandalism, was in her opinion, a tremendously noble deed. She argued that Cassandra displayed great foresight, even though she could not have predicted the current world where everyone craves to know every inner thought of others at all times.
Wrapping up her thoughts, Hawes emphasized that Cassandra undertook this act to preserve Jane Austen’s legacy, making it about her work, and in her view, it amounted to the most significant act of love.
The series boasts a star-studded cast, featuring British talents such as Jessica Hynes (Life After Life, Years and Years), Rose Leslie (The Good Fight, Downton Abbey, Death on the Nile, Vigil), Phyllis Logan (Downton Abbey, Shetland), and Alfred Enoch (How to Get Away with Murder, Foundation).
Andrea Gibb, known for her work on Elizabeth Is Missing and Mayflies, adapted the series from Gill Hornby’s best-selling novel of the same name. She aligned with Hawes’ perspective, explaining that Hornby dissects and presents a theory, allowing us to comprehend Cassandra, who has been somewhat demonized by history. Gibb found the prospect of redeeming Cassandra in some way an exceptionally appealing concept for writers.
Likewise, Director Aisling Walsh (Maudie, Elizabeth Is Missing) shared her thoughts on the debate. She opined that it was all about love. In her view, people don’t need to be privy to the kind of private and intimate relationship the two sisters shared. What’s important is recognizing Jane’s genius as a writer. For Walsh, this loyalty is paramount.
Emphasizing the feminist narrative of the show, Gibb noted that the story puts women at the forefront. She expressed this at a press event in London preceding the launch, stating that they view and want it to be recognized as a feminist piece.
Highlighting the struggles the Austen sisters faced in their time, Gibb remarked that they were carving out a life that was unacceptable in those days. Women had no property rights and were dependent on their husbands, brothers, and fathers. The two women stood out remarkably in their society and time.
Discussing the different approaches of the two sisters represented in the series, Gibb explained that Jane had a burning desire to write, she was driven, obsessed, and needed to tell her stories. Cassandra, on the other hand, was determined to support her in this endeavor. Gibb sees them as the ultimate feminists.
Summarizing the reality of those times, Gibb highlighted that women were isolated from men unless the men decided they could participate in the situation. So, Gibb hopes they have been successful in bringing this to the forefront, making it clear, and promoting feminism.
‘Miss Austen‘ cast members, from left to right, Synnøve Karlsen (young Cassy Austen), Patsy Ferran (young Jane Austen), Madeleine Walker (Eliza Fowle).
Courtesy of BBC/Bonnie Productions/Masterpiece/Robert Viglasky
Christine Langan, the executive producer of Miss Austen for Bonnie Productions, praised the men who worked on the show but also accentuated the strong presence women had on the set. She reflected on the struggles women still face in the 21st century in getting their voices heard or earning equal pay. Langan finds the appeal of Austen in the clearly defined rules, making the inequalities starkly visible.
Langan added that this inequality attracted many brilliant female creatives behind and in front of the camera. They were allowed to freely explore women dealing with crises of confidence reflecting on their life decisions.
This year marks the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth. Miss Austen is set to debut in the U.K. this Sunday on BBC One. In the U.S., it will premiere on Masterpiece on PBS on Sunday, May 4.
FAQs
What is Miss Austen about?
Miss Austen is a drama that explores the mystery of why Cassandra Austen burnt the letters of her sister, famous author Jane Austen. The story is told from a perspective of sisterhood and sisterly love.
Who are the main actors in Miss Austen?
The main actors in Miss Austen include Keeley Hawes, who stars as Cassandra Austen, Jessica Hynes, Rose Leslie, Phyllis Logan, and Alfred Enoch.
When and where will Miss Austen debut?
Miss Austen will debut in the U.K. on BBC One this Sunday. In the U.S., it will premiere on Masterpiece on PBS on Sunday, May 4.
What is the perspective of the creators and cast on the show?
The creators and cast view the show as a narrative that puts women at the forefront, highlighting the struggles they faced in their time. They see it as a feminist piece and hope it promotes feminism.
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