FROM PARIS TO ANGOSTURA: THE IMAGE OF THE LIBERATOR IN BETTY KAPLAN’S MINISERIES BOLÍVAR (1983)

Abstract

This study aims to explain the plot of the miniseries Bolívar (1983) by Venezuelan-American director, Betty Kaplan, from its beginning when Simón Bolívar is depicted in Paris, France in 1804, until the creation of Colombia in the Venezuelan city of Angostura in 1819. Fragmenting the scenes and the events related to the life and achievements of Simón Bolívar between 1804 and 1819, this article narrates all the matters proposed through the image of the Liberator and its context contrasting the plot with Bolivarian iconography, biography and literature in order to describe the events in which Bolívar is portrayed by Betty Kaplan. Furthermore, this article shares a series of original photographs from Betty Kaplan’s personal archive in order to illustrate the reader in a visual way.