ICENI

Abstract

This thesis consists of practice–led research in the form of a full-length script for a feature film; plus a 6,000-word essay (exegesis). A summary of the script is as follows:

It is AD 61 and Rome rules the tribes of Britannia. The King of the Iceni tribe dies and his wife, Boadicea, becomes Queen. Grata, Boadicea’s younger sister, falls in love with Marcus, a Roman. The Romans disregard the King’s Will and demand all of the Iceni estate. Boadicea is flogged and her two daughters raped. Faolan, a traitorous Druid, joins the Iceni. Boadicea declares war on Rome and Grata runs away. Boadicea allies with Airic, chieftain of another tribe. After a successful attack on Camulodunum, Grata is found and Boadicea and Airic become lovers. Boadicea separates from Airic and other tribes join her army. Grata meets Ragar, a new chieftain. The army attacks Londinium. Supported by Grata, the new chieftains refuse to obey Boadicea and she seeks help from Faolan. The tribal army move on and attack Verulamium. Grata tries to kill Boadicea and flees to find Marcus. Faolan is denounced as a traitor and Boadicea kills him. She reconciles with Airic. Rejected by Marcus, Grata returns. Boadicea leads the Celts into battle against the Roman army but they are defeated. Grata is killed but Boadicea escapes. Later, Boadicea commits suicide to avoid capture. Airic follows her example.

The script is framed by an Exegesis which is a 6,000-word essay on the subject of: a) the genre of the script. b) the development process from synopsis to second draft.

NOTE: The thesis is approved by the Faculty of Culture and Society for an indefinite term embargo.