Framed Lives Monarchs: Queen Christina

QUEEN CHRISTINA

Screening of feature film 'Queen Christina' (1933 Rouben Mamoulian) followed by discussion.

View film trailer

Queen Christina of Sweden (1626 – 1689) was a controversial ruler who fearlessly broke social norms and behaved in ways that were considered unthinkable for a lady in the 17th century. Known as a rebel Queen, she was educated as a male, took her coronation oath as a king rather than a queen, and pursued a wide range of academic and cultural interests. She was a free thinker who rejected the sexual role of a woman, dressing in masculine clothing and causing scandal when she decided not to marry. She was often referred to as a 'Girl King'.

In 1654, she abdicated her throne, changed her name, and converted to Roman Catholicism - a religion that was illegal in her country at the time. Described by the Pope as "a queen without a realm, a Christian without faith, and a woman without shame", Chiristina's unconventional lifestyle, masculine dressing and behavior continue to fascinate to this day.

Guest speaker: Peter Evans

Peter William Evans is Emeritus Professor of Film Studies at Queen Mary University of London. He has published widely on Hollywood, Spanish and British cinema. his books include 'The Films of Luis Buñuel; Subjectivityy and Desire ' ( OUP, 1995), 'Carol Reed '(MUP, 2005 ), 'Women on the Verge of a Nervous Breakdown' ( BFI, 1996), 'Top Hat' ( Wiley Blackwell, 2010 ) and 'Written on the Wind '(BFI, 2013 ).

Discussion topics will include Christina's androgyny and her dismissive treatment by men in authority who were uncomfortable with being ruled by a woman, particularly one with a taste for learning and maculine clothing. Peter will also discuss the seminal importance of casting Greta Garbo, one of Hollywood's most glamorous icons, whose persona and career open up fascinating questions about sex, gender and identity.

Click here to book