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The Empress: themes and context
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The play explores the British Empire from the point of view of the Indians who lived inside it.
Context
In 1887 Britain ruled India, and Queen Victoria had been proclaimed Empress of India in 1877.
Many Indians came to Britain: ayahs, lascars, students and campaigners. Ayahs were sometimes abandoned, and a home was set up in London to shelter them.
The play was first performed by the RSC in 2013.
Many Indians came to Britain: ayahs, lascars, students and campaigners. Ayahs were sometimes abandoned, and a home was set up in London to shelter them.
The play was first performed by the RSC in 2013.
Key themes
Race and empire: racism at every level of society.
Class and power: the powerful (Lord Oakham, the royal household) exploit the weak.
Gender: Rani's vulnerability as a young woman.
Identity and belonging: what it means to be Indian in Britain.
Friendship and loyalty: Victoria and Abdul; Rani and Hari.
Class and power: the powerful (Lord Oakham, the royal household) exploit the weak.
Gender: Rani's vulnerability as a young woman.
Identity and belonging: what it means to be Indian in Britain.
Friendship and loyalty: Victoria and Abdul; Rani and Hari.
The title
"The Empress" refers to Queen Victoria, Empress of India, but it also invites the audience to think about Rani, whose strength makes her the play's true heroine.
How does the play challenge the idea of a glorious Victorian Empire?
- It shows the empire from the view of Indian characters.
- We see poverty, racism and exploitation.
- Their stories are often missing from history lessons.
Answer: By showing the suffering and racism experienced by Indians in Britain, from the docks to the palace.
Context: British rule in India, Victoria Empress of India from 1877, ayahs and lascars in London, RSC 2013. Themes: race and empire, class and power, gender, identity, friendship.
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