The Play’s the Thing in 'Marie Antoinette’s Second Episode “A Poison Pen”

Marie Antoinette’s “A Poison Pen” is packed with illicit affairs and intricate scheming. The episode’s title refers to Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais and his new play, The Marriage of Figaro, the premiere performance of which put another nail in the coffin for the king and queen of France. You may recall Chartres’ lover, Félicité, and Beaumarchais were plotting to stage his play at Versailles, but Louis banned it after reading it and clocking the anti-monarchy sentiment. Beaumarchais swears he’s edited out the controversial content. With Antoinette’s encouragement, Louis agrees to an invite-only performance at Versailles “if there’s no mention of politics, religion, or government.”

With the new monarchy-agnostic, king-approved version, rehearsals begin. Looking for something to lift her spirits after her miscarriage, Antoinette decides she'll join the cast in the lead role of the Countess's servant, Susanna, another opportunity for her to play-act as a peasant. Other courtiers round out the cast, including Provence’s wife, Josephine (Roxane Duran). Yolande seizes the opportunity to exclude Lamballe and distance her further from the queen, telling her all the parts are taken.

Antoinette is stunned to discover that von Fersen, whom she’s been avoiding since his recent return from America, has been cast opposite her. (This is a deliberate move by Beaumarchais to unnerve the queen.)