MISS Austen star Keeley Hawes hit back at claims that the show is ‘cultural vandalism’ – insisting it depicts ‘the greatest act of love’.
The BBC period drama sees Keeley, 48, take on the role of Cassandra Austen, legendary writer Jane’s elder sister.
Keeley Hawes leads the cast of BBC period drama Miss Austen[/caption]
It explores the relationship between writer Jane Austen and her elder sister Cassandra[/caption]
Cassandra’s actions have long stumped Austen fans[/caption]
It explores a question that’s long stumped the writer’s fanbase – why did Cassandra burn Jane’s collection of personal letters after she died?
Based on Gill Hornby’s best-selling novel, the drama takes this literary mystery and reimagines it in a story of sisterhood, love and loyalty.
Keeley told The Sun’s TV Mag: “I know lots of Austen fans feel it was an act of cultural vandalism, but I think she had great foresight.
“She couldn’t possibly have known the world we live in now where everyone wants to know everyone’s innermost thoughts every second of the day.
“So to make it about Jane’s work and to look after her legacy in the way that she did, I think it’s the greatest act of love.”
The show’s premise begins in 1830, 13 years after Jane’s death aged 41.
Cassandra receives correspondence from her late fiancé’s niece to inform her of some sad family news.
When she makes her way there, she’s confronted with another task – hunting down Jane’s letters that are hidden away in a trunk before they’re turned into a biography.
Once Cassandra gets her hands on them, the words transport her back in time to relive Cassy, Jane and their close friends’ youth, as a younger cast play out their stories in flashback scenes.
Keeley continued: “The script came into my inbox and I just felt I’d totally lucked out.
“I was interested in doing something about love, and this is a story about love in all its forms – sisterly love, romantic love, unrequited love.
“At this time in the world this is something we can all sit and give ourselves over to. It ticks a lot of boxes.”
Keeley is joined by an impressive ensemble including Rose Leslie, Jessica Hynes, Patsy Ferran and Phyllis Logan.
All episodes of Miss Austen will be available on iPlayer from today, February 2.
Keeley is joined by a cast including Rose Leslie and Jessica Hynes[/caption]
