Female point of view: The Spanish Princess sheds light on women, people of color in 16th century London – Albuquerque Journal

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Ruairi OConnor and Charlotte Hope star at Henry VIII and Queen Catherine in The Spanish Princess. (Courtesy of Starz)

Stephanie Levi-John knows the second part of The Spanish Princess will be quite a journey.

She cant wait for an audience to tune in and watch.

Its been really nice to speak about the show, Levi-John says during a recent interview. Im really excited because we get to see a different perspective with the new episodes.

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The Spanish Princess is a story told uniquely from the point of view of the women, which also sheds light on a previously untold corner of history: the lives of people of color, living and working in 16th century London.

The second part of The Spanish Princess begins Sunday, Oct. 11, on Starz. (Courtesy of Starz)

It follows Catherine of Aragon, played by Charlotte Hope, who is the strong-willed young princess of Spain, who has been promised the English throne since she was a child. She arrives in a grey, rain-lashed England with her glorious and diverse court including her ladies-in-waiting Lina a Spanish noble of African Iberian descent and the sweet and free-spirited Rosa.

When her husband, Prince Arthur, dies suddenly, the throne seems lost to Catherine until she devises an audacious plan and sets her sights on the new heir, the charismatic and headstrong Prince Henry, who will one day rule as King Henry VIII, played by Ruairi OConnor.

Stephanie Levi-John stars as Lina de Cardonnes in The Spanish Princess. (Courtesy of Starz)

Part 2 continues the story of Queen Catherine and Henry VIII. Presiding over the most glamorous court in Europe and beloved by their people, together they create an England that is proud, confident and strong enough to withstand threat from abroad.

Catherines struggle to produce an heir places her marriage and position in the court at risk, and she is haunted by her choices from the past.

Despite proving herself a politician, a diplomat, a national inspiration and even a military commander, Catherine must battle to save her love with the king, and to preserve the peace and prosperity of their reign.

Levi-John portrays Lina de Cardonnes. The second part of the series premieres at 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11, on Starz.

Levi-John says Part 2 brings the flip side of Lina to audiences.

We get to see a little bit of her home life and her life away form the palace, she says. Its a sanctuary for her. Lina is living her life with Oviedo. The two of them have fought to be together. They share this beautiful, humble life.

Stephanie Levi-John and Aaron Cobham portray Lina de Cardonnes and Oviedo in The Spanish Princess. (Courtesy of Starz)

Levi-John says Lina and Oviedo, played by Aaron Cobham, are trying to balance their professional and personal lives.

As Queen Catherine is trying to birth an heir, that trickles down to affect the couple.

(Theres) loads of drama and its becoming a roller coaster within their household, she says. At the same time, Lina wants her home to be a place of empathy. Shes got her own priorities, and they dont include Catherine. That used to be her whole life. Shes constantly trying to think of what to do and what is right for her life.

During the second part of the series, Levi-John says, being able to have a look into Linas home life opened her eyes.

Shes wised up to the way Catherine treats her at times, she says. Playing that battle within her (was difficult). Does she fight for what is right knowing that she may be berated? I think the whole motherhood aspect of things was beautiful too. I dont have any children, and I wanted to do that justice. I wanted to show a true depiction of carrying a child. I found that really difficult and it touched a personal nerve.

Being able to spend time in Linas shoes has taught Levi-John a few things.

Ruairi OConnor and Charlotte Hope in a scene from The Spanish Princess. (Courtesy of Starz)

I love that Lina is not someone you dont want to mess with, she says. I love her loyalty, and that has taught me a lot. Shes so mentally and emotionally strong. And having a wonderful partner. I like the fact that shes human.

Arriving on set each day, Levi-John was transported to another time, which was also an opportunity for her to dress the part with corsets, handmade clothes and more.

There was such a beauty in being able to stand in your full glory, she says of the costumes. The decadence of it all. The costumes and set designers were incredible. Walking into the set, it boggled my mind, because it did transport me to a different time.

Levi-John says The Spanish Princess will give viewers an outlet, as well.

This year, its been tough for everyone, she says. We managed to film this before the pandemic hit. Viewers are hungry for something different. Im very proud to be part of this show and be part of this world and escape the madness.

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Female point of view: The Spanish Princess sheds light on women, people of color in 16th century London - Albuquerque Journal