In episode 82, The Boston Sisters discuss the Hallmark Channel’s adaptation of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility featuring a multiracial cast. Vanessa Riley, the historical and cultural consulting producer, shares her journey into Austen's works and her role in ensuring historical accuracy and cultural sensitivity. Riley also discusses her novels Queen of Exilesand Island Queen, which explore the lives of Marie-Louise Christophe, Haiti's only queen, and Dorothy “Dolly” Kirwan Thomas, a formerly enslaved woman who became a wealthy entrepreneur. Riley emphasizes the importance of representing diverse historical figures and the potential adaptation of her novels into films.

Award-winning author Vanessa Riley, honored as the 2023 Georgia Literary Fiction Author of the Year, spotlights hidden narratives of Black women and women of color in novels. Her works emphasize strong sisterhoods, diverse communities, and power across historical fiction, romance, and mystery genres.

TIMESTAMPS

0:03 - Podcast description

1:30 - Overview of Sense and Sensibility

2:42 - Introduction to Vanessa Riley, historical and cultural producer and historical fiction author

4:05 - Vanessa's Jane Austen origin story

7:25 - Jane Austen's wit

9:19 - Historical authenticity and cultural sensitivity in Hallmark Channel’s SENSE AND SENSIBILITY

17:39 - Challenges and achievements in adapting “Sense and Sensibility”

20:35 - Generic Break

21:03 - Discovering Dorothy “Dolly’ Kirwan Thomas, “Island Queen”

28:35 - Vanessa's Research and discoveries for “Queen of Exiles” (Marie-Louise Christophe)

36:15 - Future adaptations and Vanessa Riley's vision

Note: Ep. 82 has been updated to correct a technical error in the introduction.

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In episode 81, the Boston Sisters (Michon and Taquiena) explore how costumes bring iconic characters to life in 3 adaptations of Jane Austen’s Pride & Prejudice with Alden O’Brien, costume historian and costume and textile curator for the Daughters of the American Revolution Museum in Washington DC .

The 3 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE adaptations featured:

1. 1995 (BBC/Arts & Entertainment) series
2. 2005 (Focus Features, Universal Pictures) feature film,
3. Upcoming Netflix adaptation (release date TBA) based on a first look photo.

Alden O'Brien also gives some costume shine to the 2020 film adaptation of Austen's Emma in this conversation, and shares tips and resources for creating your own Regency look for Jane Austen birthday anniversary events and cosplay.

Episode 81 is a continuing conversation with Alden O'Brien (see episode 80), part 2 of a 3-podcast miniseries, JANE AUSTEN ADAPTED, to commemorate the 250th anniversary of the popular English author Jane Austen's birth (December 16, 1775).

TIMESTAMPS

0:16 - PRIDE AND PREJUDICE as gateway to Jane Austen

0:31 - Episode 81 synopsis

2:30 - Introduction to Alden O'Brien, costume historian and curator

4:32 - 1995 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE - pastels, prints, and corsetry

13:59 - 2005 PRIDE AND PREJUDICE -- high contrasts and "muddied hems"

23:53 - Generic Break

24:30 - Previewing Netflix PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (photo analysis)

32:54 - 2020 EMMA, a "hymn to Regency"

35:28 - Resources for dressing Regency

39:31 - Costume as narration and author's voice

44:53 - Marriage and money - Episode 82 preview with author Vanessa Riley

45:59 - Disclaimer

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Explore the fascinating elements of style in Regency and Federal era clothing, inspirations, and the fashion clues that bring Jane Austen’s characters to life with Alden O’Brien, costume historian and curator of costumes and textiles for the DAR (Daughters of the American Revolution) Museum in Washington, DC.

Episode 80 is part 1 of a 3-podcast mini-series, JANE AUSTEN ADAPTED, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the English author’s birth. Jane Austen (1775 - 1817) is beloved for her novels that capture English country life, societal norms, and romances that hinge on the quest for a financially advantageous marriage.

TIMESTAMPS

0:15 - “Jane Austen Adapted” mini-series synopsis

2:44 - Introduction to Alden O'Brien

4:30 - Alden's role at DAR Museum

7:09 - Regency and Federal era fashion

11:21 - DAR Museum Jane Austen 250th birthday exhibition

14:31 - Historical context of Regency and Federal era style

15:32 - Regency influence and relevance in contemporary fashion

27:20 - Generic Break

29:31 - Sources of fabrics and clothing products

35:10 - Empire and colonization in Regency era

45:30 - Preview of episode 81, “Jane Austen Adapted”

47:30 - Disclaimer

SUBSCRIBE to HISTORICAL DRAMA WITH THE BOSTON SISTERS® on your favorite podcast platform

ENJOY past podcasts and bonus episodes

SIGN UP for our mailing list

SUPPORT this podcast SHOP THE PODCAST on our affiliate bookstore

Buy us a Coffee! You can support by buying a coffee ☕ here — buymeacoffee.com/historicaldramasisters

Thank you for listening!