24/03/2021 - The new epic historical drama series stars Kasia Smutniak playing the role of Rome’s most powerful and influential empress, Livia Drusilla

A new epic historical drama series, entitled Domina, is set to air on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW. The eight-episode production, created and penned by Simon Burke (the TV series Zen and Fortitude), with Australian filmmaker Claire McCarthy (Ophelia, the TV series The Luminaries) on board as lead director, will bring to life the power struggles of Ancient Rome from a different perspective: that of the women.

In detail, the story follows Livia Drusilla’s journey from a naïve young girl whose world crumbles in the wake of Julius Caesar’s assassination, to Rome’s most powerful and influential empress, driven by a deep desire to avenge her father and secure power for her sons. Livia and her peers navigate their way through a brutal society by means of strategy, conspiracy, seduction and murder. She will soon discover that seizing power is not enough: you must be able to keep it when everyone else wants it. In the press release disclosing the series’ first-look images and trailer, the production is described as a “visceral and authentic family saga, grounded in historical accuracy and bringing to life the incredible true stories of the women who would go on to create one of the most enduring and fascinating dynasties of all time”.

Kasia Smutniak (Perfect Strangers [+see also:
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Domina was produced by the UK’s Fifty Fathoms, Tiger Aspect and Sky Studios, with Italy’s Cattleya providing executive production services. The series will air in May 2021 on Sky Atlantic and streaming service NOW. It will also air in the USA on EPIX in June. NBCUniversal Global Distribution is in charge of its international sales, on behalf of Sky Studios.

You can watch the trailer below: