Watch Statue Wars

Statue Wars is a documentary series produced by BBC Select that explores the tension and controversy surrounding public statues and monuments. The show examines monuments from around the world and the complex issues that arise when a society decides to memorialize certain figures.

The show follows host and journalist Sammy Andrews as she travels to different countries and cities to talk to historians, politicians, activists, and artists to gain insight into the debates surrounding public monuments. Each episode focuses on a different monument or location and the impact that it has had on the community.

One of the first episodes takes place in Bristol, England, which became a focal point in the debate over monuments and their place in society. In June of 2020, protesters tore down a statue of slave trader Edward Colston, a figure who had been memorialized in the city for over 100 years. The episode explores the history of Colston, as well as the long-standing efforts of activists to have the statue removed. The episode also looks into the authorities' response to the statue's removal and the efforts to find a replacement.

Another episode explores the controversy surrounding Confederate monuments in the United States. Sammy Andrews visits Virginia, a state with a particularly contentious history surrounding Confederate symbols. She talks to residents and politicians about their views on the monuments and the ways in which they represent a dark and divisive period in American history. The episode also examines the motivations behind those who want to preserve Confederate monuments and the ways in which they perpetuate a harmful narrative.

The show also covers monuments in other parts of the world, including South Africa, where the legacy of apartheid raises difficult questions about how to remember historical figures. Sammy Andrews speaks to South Africans about their experiences living under the system of apartheid and how the statues of figures like Jan van Riebeeck, the founder of Cape Town, are still celebrated today. The episode also examines the controversy surrounding statues of Cecil Rhodes, a British businessman who was one of the main architects of colonialism in southern Africa.

One of the standout features of Statue Wars is its willingness to approach controversial topics with nuance and sensitivity. The show does not shy away from difficult questions, but it also presents multiple perspectives, allowing viewers to form their own opinions. The show's global perspective helps to demonstrate how the debates surrounding monuments are not limited to one country or region and are instead part of a larger global conversation.

Throughout the series, Sammy Andrews is an engaging and empathetic host who provides valuable context and insight into the discussions surrounding monuments. She is also unafraid to ask tough questions and to challenge her subjects when necessary.

Overall, Statue Wars is a thought-provoking and timely series that sheds light on one of the most controversial issues of our time. The show presents an important reminder that monuments are not just symbols; they are representations of our collective history and the values that we choose to prioritize as a society. By delving into the debates surrounding monuments, Statue Wars encourages viewers to think deeply about the past, present, and future of public memory.