During the month of March, the department of history and political science will hold lectures on influential aspects of women throughout history in celebration of Women’s History Month. The first of these lectures was held on March 3 in the Student Union Theater, titled “The Return of Anne Boleyn: A Century of Film and TV.”
Dr. William Robison, department head of history and political science, is a history professor at Southeastern with a main focus in Tudor history. Robison gave a lecture on Anne Boleyn and her influence through her portrayal in film, television and theatrical plays.
Robison began with a general overview of her history; Boleyn was an intelligent, strong woman who learned her abilities in France as a child. In France, Boleyn became well versed in languages and charm, which became her greatest strength upon her return to England. She was politically powerful and had an influence in the Reformation.
King Henry VIII became infatuated with Boleyn, who did not want to become his mistress. Boleyn waited, however, for Henry VIII to divorce his current wife so that she could have his children in faith. Unfortunately, Boleyn could never produce a son for Henry VIII, and was killed upon false charges of incest and infidelity.
The drama that their relationship held was easily captured by the film and TV history. Various forms of media have since remade their story. From films such as “A Man for all Seasons” and “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” to more current releases like “The Other Boleyn Girl” and “The Tudors.”
“She really doesn’t get portrayed very well,” said Robison. “I think a lot of it has to do with the fact that movies traffic in stereotypes. The stereotype of women in the early 20th century was not all that strong.”
Movies about Boleyn and Henry VIII have been made since the early 20s. It was not until the 60s and 70s that Boleyn had been portrayed as how she was mostly remembered, as a strong, intelligent woman. More recently, however, her portrayal has become less than real.
“I don’t think the Anne of ‘The Tudors,’ let’s say, is particularly historical,” said Robison. “In that, almost all of her power over Henry is sexual in nature, there’s nothing really to suggest that she was well educated, intelligent and actually engaged him in discussion about religion and philosophy.”
Robison’s lecture on Boleyn in film and TV was well received by the audience inside the theater.
“It was really interesting to see how she was portrayed through all the years and movies,” said Morgane Dadot, a junior management major.
The series of lectures will continue throughout March. For more information on these lectures, contact the department of history and political science at 985-549-2109 or e-mail them at HIPS@selu.edu.
The next lecture will be “The Islenos of Louisiana: On the Water’s Edge” on Thursday, March 17, at 12:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theater.