The Official Gilded Age Podcast S2 Ep. 3: “Head to Head” with Michael Engler and Kasia Walicka-Maimone
Nov 13, 2023
Michael Engler, director and executive producer known for his work on Downton Abbey, joins costume designer Kasia Walicka-Maimone, celebrated for her film collaborations, to discuss captivating elements of The Gilded Age. They delve into Bertha's societal challenges and the repercussions of a shocking secret. Engler and Walicka-Maimone reveal the intricate process of costume design, emphasizing how wardrobe choices influence character development and societal norms. The duo also shares insights on historical accuracies and the vibrant artistic landscape of 19th-century New York.
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Uncommon Social Mobility Shocks
- Mrs. Winterton’s social rise is shocking due to rare class mobility in that era.
- American dream ideals of reinvention contrast rigid class structures, emphasizing social tensions.
Southern Racism Shapes Black Lives
- Post-Civil War racism and violence in the South profoundly shaped Black experiences.
- Peggy’s journey to Tuskegee highlights the risks and determination faced by Black educators.
Opera Rivalry Splits Society
- New York’s social elite fiercely divided over the Metropolitan Opera and Academy of Music rivalry.
- The Met attracted new money; the Academy tried to maintain old alliances, risking a financial crisis.