Should British History Only Be Dramatised By White Actors?

Is it time for inclusive casting or is liberal woke-ness pandering to historical inaccuracies?

In recent times historical dramas have adopted a policy of being ‘colour blind.’ Netflix’s Regency drama, Bridgerton, has a number of characters, including portrayals of the English aristocracy, who are played by British actors of Asian or African heritage. This follows on the heels of the excellent adaptation of Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield (The Personal History of…), where the eponymous character is played brilliantly by Dev Patel. He went on to play the lead role of Sir Gawain in the Arthurian epic fantasy, The Green Knight, to equal acclaim.

Does it matter if the historical dramas we watch today are populated by a more multicultural cast than is maybe historically accurate, or is out of keeping with the author’s original image of the fictitious or mythical character?

On my YouTube sojourns I like to keep the algorithms on their toes by viewing shows of varied political and cultural persuasions. I do this out of intellectual curiosity. Even though it can be comforting and reassuring, it is less stimulating to have your own views and opinions echoed back to you. I like to be updated on what others, i.e. the opposition, are thinking…