On Sky and Now, ‘Domina’ is finally available, the new Sky Original series with Kasia Smutniak. Ancient Rome tells from the point of view of women, in particular of Livia Drusilla, a fascinating figure, close to the powers of the time. Let’s find out the characteristics of this new TV series that is highly anticipated. Domina
Livia is the subject of a new dramatic-historical series, “Domina”, which a few days ago made its debut on Sky and Now. Domina is by no means a documentary account of the empress. The first three episodes feature some curiosities and narrative moments, with an elaborate plot involving Livia’s former slave, a maitresse, love affairs and some murders.
But for the most part it captures the spirit of the time well, its values, and with a certain authenticity (look at Livia’s saffron-colored wedding attire) also the fashions and architecture. Particularly accurate is the fear of dictatorship and monarchy that echoes under history. That fear that became reality when, presumably with Livia’s ploy, Octavian became “Augustus”, the first emperor of Rome.
Here the trailer: The intertwining of history and fantasy
In the first episodes of the series “Domina”, the young 15 year old Livia, with the eyes of a doe (Nadia Parkes) is busy preparing for her wedding day. Her father, scion of the powerful Claudii family, made her unite with a cousin of her almost three times younger than her namedTiberius Nero . So far all true.
The wedding takes place against the backdrop of the imminent civil war following the assassination of Julius Caesar (we are between 43 BC and 22 BC). The so-called ‘Liberators’, who saw the Roman Republic saved from the hands of the dictator, are now on the run. Among those leading the campaign to avenge the death of Caesar is his adopted son Octavian. Livia’s father, meanwhile, supports the cause of the liberators.
Carrying known historical deeds and events, the young Octavian (Tom Glynn-Carney) shows up at Livia’s wedding, where they secretly share a passionate kiss. A short time later, as Octavian’s forces pour into Rome, Livia and her husband (who in this series is an unattractive brute) flee with their child, Tiberius. Historians record that the young family sought refuge in Sicily and Greece. Tragically for Livia, the liberators were defeated, leaving her father, who fought on their side, to take his own life.
By a strange twist of fate, Livia then returned to Rome with her husband, the young Tiberius, but pregnant with Octavian. Ancient sources suggest that Octavian took her away as a husband, despite her being pregnant with her, because he was struck by her beauty and tired of his own wife, Scribonia, and her hostile ways. From here a series of vicissitudes will begin where, compared to what the sources report, Livia will be much more architect of her own destiny. A true demonstration of the power and ambition of a strong woman, all too often underestimated by history. Kasia Smutniak and Domina
Kasia Smutniak is the protagonist of Domina: beautiful, mysterious, sexy, deep, strong, perfect for this important role. The actress said about her character:
«Livia Drusilla was perhaps the first true feminist in history because the power she managed to obtain was never an end in itself, but a question of survival. Today we need stories like this, starring women who have made a big impact. Giving the right weight to Livia Drusilla’s story and making it credible is a responsibility that we have all felt, including writers and directors. Power is needed for Livia to survive, to have the freedom to choose for herself. Livia puts aside her own needs to carry out an idea, which is also a political idea. She is consistent with herself, and that’s what I like most about her. Perhaps her strength is the awareness that she can make a difference. ” The stellar castAs we read on Sky Tg24, alongside Smutniak, in Domina we find a truly stellar cast: Matthew McNulty (Misfits) in the role of the future emperor Gaius Octavian (but who in the first two episodes played by Tom Glynn-Carney ); Claire Forlani (Meet Joe Black) plays Octavia, sister of Gaius; Christine Bottomley (The End of the F *** ing World) will be Scribonia, first wife of Gaius and bitter enemy of Livia; Colette Dalal Tchantcho (The Witcher) as Antigone, first Livia’s trusted maid and then a free woman and her confidant; Ben Batt(Captain America: The First Avenger) plays Agrippa, a childhood friend of Gaius Octavian, his general and later consul. Together with them, an international star such as Liam Cunningham (Game of Thrones) in the role of Livio, father of Livia Drusilla, and an icon of world cinema, Isabella Rossellini (Blue Velvet, Death makes you beautiful), who in the series will play Balbina, maitresse of a brothel.
Great Italian excellences of international standing in the technical cast, starting with the Oscar® winner Gabriella Pescucci , who oversaw the costumes of the series, Luca Tranchino (Prison Break) to set design, Katia Sisto (Penny Dreadful) to make-up and Claudia Catini(Trust: The Getty Abduction) to hair design.
The series was conceived and written by Simon Burke (Fortitude, Strike Back). Behind the Camera Claire McCarthy (director of the first 3 episodes), who leads a directing team completed by David Evans (behind the camera of episodes 4, 5, 7, 8) and Debs Paterson (director of the episode 6).
