Camila Guzman recently attended a reception at the Doral Contemporary Art Museum pop-up space in CityPlace Doral in honor of the much-anticipated season two release of Marie Antoinette.
The 30-year-old has lived in Coral Gables most of her life and enjoys the cultural and artistic opportunities offered by the city. Frequently attending events commemorating art and women.
“I was excited to see what the event would be like and if it would resemble the show’s time period.” Said Guzman.
The event hosted by South Florida PBS illustrated both the interest in the French queen who was executed by guillotine in 1793 but also served to honor inspiring women of the community and through history. It took place on the final weekend of Women’s History Month.
“Tonight marks a special convergence of art, history and storytelling,” said South Florida PBS CEO Dolores Fernandez Alonso “as we celebrate both the remarkable women of Miami-Dade County and the premiere of Marie Anttoinete season Two.”
The event served to honor inspiring women of the community and through history. Since 1987, Women’s History Month has celebrated women’s contributions to history, culture and society. The dedicated time is used to reflect on the often-overlooked contributions of women’s history. The celebrations perfectly reflect the sentiment of the month by highlighting the influences and accomplishments of the women of the community.
While by today’s standard the monarch isn’t considered a feminist her challenges of the status quo as she embraced personal independence, asserted political influence, and resisted expectations such as docile obedience and severe decorum. While she wasn’t intentionally advocating for women’s rights, this is seen by modern audiences as early expressions of female agency.
“Marie Antoinette is a very difficult character,” said Guzman “some see her as an example to follow, others as an out-of-touch, privileged queen.”
While polarizing the monarch has reminded a topic of conversation through time. First by her outstanding stylistic choices that prompted her as a fashion icon, later because of the rumors surrounding her while she was alive, lastly her gruesome demise amidst the French revolution.
The show’s second season, which debuted March 23, promises audiences a deeper look into Marie’s journey as she ascends the throne. This chapter sees the queen’s political and personal encounters reach new heights, making her position more precarious than ever before.
The show’s season two will be shown on Sundays at 10 p.m.
Through powerful performances, intricate set designs and gorgeous costumes, the show really captures the nuisances of the royal court. The event organizers understood exactly what elements to highlight during the celebrations, putting an emphasis on aesthetics and beauty.
The festivities began in the CityPlace Doral Central Plaza with live musical performances featuring Saimary, a Venezuelan singer known for her vibrant tributes of Latin idols. Followed by the Voice and Vision Award ceremony honoring exceptional women of Miami-Dade County.
Afterwards at the reception, guests were transported back in time. Wearing their best evening gowns, they got to interact with the elements that make the show come to life first hand. They were treated to photo opportunities with actors wearing costume pieces, champagne toasts, French cuisine provided by R Catering and Events, accompanied by live entertainment provided by the Miami Symphony Orchestra, and an exciting first look teaser at what is to come in the show’s second season.
“The event was a fun way for guests to interact and feel like a part of the show,” said Guzman.
The celebration also included featured acts from the Florida Grand Opera (FGO) performing select arias from the upcoming production of “Carmen,” which will be available to the public in April. The opera is a cornerstone of French cultural heritage.
Further cementing the sentiments of uplifting women showcased at the event DORCAM’s captivating exhibition, “Women of Vision: Photography, It’s About Time” was displayed. Curated by photographer and educator Mirta Gómez del Valle, bringing together the work of 13 extraordinary women photographers, each exploring themes of perspective, time, and memory. When asked about the title of the exhibit in an interview with TML, Gómez del Valle said “All photographs are about the past; they align with the present or perhaps intend to represent the future, a facsimile of some type.”
The show features a powerhouse lineup of artists: Eileen Bello de Arriaza, Marra Finkelstein, Isabella Marie García, Adrienne Rose Gionta, Jessica Gispert, Silvia Lizama, Jillian Mayer, Flor Mayoral, Ania Moussawel, Stefanie Pérez, Samantha Salzinger, and Lissette Schaeffler.
In a speech given at the event Dolores Fernandez Alonso stated, “From the musical performances… to the preview of ‘Carmen’ and the inspirational music from the Miami Symphony Orchestra this evening exemplifies the artistic excellence the PBS champions.”
Guzman remarks “The event is a good way to interact with the show and attract new viewers.”
