Streaming shows like The Empress, Catherine the Great and The Crown fit squarely in the realm of popular culture. They take complex and nuanced situations and reduce them to sugary, bite-sized entertainment for the whole family. Imaginary dialogue and scenes are portrayed in an almost documentary fashion. There’s little examination of the actual history, geopolitics or events that played such a vial role in the lives of these people. I do not object to such programs. In fact, I enjoy them as much as the next yob. But there’s a Broadway play for which I have nothing but contempt and I’d like to say why.
© 2024 John Oliver
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