in

Dame Helen Mirren: 'Democracy is under attack and I should use my platform to speak out' – Sky News, Sky.com

Dame Helen Mirren: 'Democracy is under attack and I should use my platform to speak out' – Sky News, Sky.com


             

Dame Helen Mirren has said that “democracy is under attack” in the current political climate.

The Hollywood actress said she found the treatment of women in parts of America “terrifying” but believes that recent political turmoil has helped mobilize the public to act.

“A lot of us are half-asleep a lot of the time … Maybe at least people’s attentions are going ‘oh my God … this is serious, we have to participate in this’.”

  

Dame Helen Mirren plays the Russian monarch in the mini-series. Pic: ©Sky UK Ltd

      

Image:        Dame Helen Mirren plays the Russian monarch in the mini-series. Pic: © Sky UK Ltd      

Speaking to Sky News presenter Sarah-Jane Mee about her starring role in upcoming Sky Atlantic mini-series Catherine the Great, she talked about using her platform to speak out.

“As actors , I know we get mocked and criticized for (speaking about politics) … But we’re handed a microphone and we’re allowed to speak, “she said.

“I’m up here sitting in front of you all with a microphone and that man sitting at the back, he doesn’t have a microphone.”

Dame Helen is starring as the titular character in Catherine the Great, which Sky says “delves into the politically tumultuous and sexually charged court of the most powerful female monarch in history”.

Written by Nigel Williams, who previously worked with Dame Helen on the 2005 show Elizabeth I, the series also boasts the 74 – year-old actress as its executive producer.

The real Catherine the Great became Empress of Russia in 1762 and reigned until her death in 1796.

  

Dame Helen says she should use her platform to speak out. Pic: ©Sky UK Ltd

      

Image:        Dame Helen says she should use her platform to speak out. Pic: © Sky UK Ltd      

The four-part mini-series will show Catherine towards the end of her reign and follow her relationship with Grigory Potemkin, played by Jason Clarke.

“Catherine was madly in love with Potemkin , “Dame Helen said.

:: Listen to Backstage onApple Podcasts,Google Podcasts,Spotify,Spreaker

The monarch has often been depicted as incredibly powerful and sexually liberated.

Asked whether she believes the monarch was effectively slut-shamed, Dame Helen said: “Yes she was sexual. Yes she had love affairs. She was a serial monogamist as far as I can make out.

” All of her relationships were very loving and she always paid lovers off very handsomely when she decided it was time to move on. “

  

The series depicts Catherine's relationship with Grigory Potemkin. Pic: ©Sky UK Ltd

      

Image:        The series depicts Catherine’s relationship with Grigory Potemkin. Pic: © Sky UK Ltd      

The actress described the “attack” on Catherine for her sexual exploits as a reason why Elizabeth I called herself the Virgin Queen – “so she couldn’t be attacked on that level”.

Dame Helen said the monarch had been “wiped out of history” – but she expects that we will see more and more female leaders in future.

Catherine the Great will air on Sky Atlantic and NOW TV on 3 October at 9pm.

    

Brave Browser
Read More
Payeer

What do you think?

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings

Elon Musk's Starship, for human flight to Mars, may reach orbit in 6 months – Hindustan Times, Youtube.com

Elon Musk's Starship, for human flight to Mars, may reach orbit in 6 months – Hindustan Times, Youtube.com

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an Arsenal match-winner and leader – Sky Sports, Skysports.com

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang is an Arsenal match-winner and leader – Sky Sports, Skysports.com