Richmond Shakespeare Society
Directed by Jay Wright
Performances 27th January–3rd February, 2007
Workshop 4th November 10am- 4pm 2006
If you are interested in the workshop in Rivermeads Hall please contact me (email, please) with your name
and contact number so that a place can be reserved.
Audition Monday 13th November 2006
Mary Wallace Theatre, The Embankment, Twickenham, TW1 3DU
The “WORD” is Physical
The Production’s theatrical style will combine text, action, music, rhythm, sound and dance; I believe
in bringing together actors with a willingness to form a powerful and exciting base from which to
create magnificent and vibrant theatre.
The Mystery Plays are a magnificent example of medieval drama. Using colourful language, they present the
‘history of the world’ from the mystery of God’s creation, through the birth, death and resurrection of Christ,
to the Last Judgment.
Based on the Bible stories, the plays are naturally full of big theatrical moments: the expulsion from Eden,
the murder of Abel, the Flood, the Nativity, the mental duel between Jesus and Satan. Little touches of
humour abound, such as Adam’s blatant attempts to put the blame on Eve, the troubled but loving
relationship between Noah and his wife.
All the plays were written in verse, with strict metres and rhyme schemes.
This will be a stylistic production using different styles of physical theatre. The actors cast for this
production will have to show an ability to use their voices / body / environment to bring depth, life and shape
to their performance. The audition will consist of a workshop which will help me judge how you work
together; interpret ideas and how you implement them.
You will work in groups and individually during the workshop.
You will be asked to improvise
You will be asked to choreograph a small passage within a group.
You will then also be asked to perform the passage anyway you choose individually.
You will then also be asked to individually improvise the small passage in a style chosen by the director at
random.
There are, as you may or may not be aware, wonderful roles within this play, but I do want to point out that
unlike some plays, the actors cast in this show will play at least 3 roles. With this in mind I have decided to
choose one piece for everyone unless you wish to audition for GOD / Jesus /or Mary (but those who do will
still have to learn the piece for the workshop side of the audition).
Audition Pieces
5 Male & 5 Female (any age)
The audition will take place with an experimental movement audition with text. It would be
really helpful if you could learn a small speech so that I can see how you move and use your
voice without scripts getting in the way (it is only a small speech).
GOD: Page 4: - “a man full of life and soul” – “man - full of life and soul.”
JESUS Page 34; “brothers, sisters, take your seat;” – “And would deceive a friend”
MARY: Page 47: “Alas, alas, for my intent;” – “For he was God’s own son!”
Male audition / Female Audition: Page 27:
Satan: Make way! Make way! You surly gang!
Why do you gather in this throng?
Get you hence! You all should hang,
That’s very plain!
(Indicating Jesus) I have waited much too long
To bring him pain!
For ever since from Heaven I fell,
For my pride consigned to Hell,
I have sought to move and dwell
Among mankind,
To bring you all beneath my spell,
In sin to bind.
(indicating Jesus) Now here comes one without a stain,
Who is here to suffer pain
And, with his death, to bliss again
To bring you all!
But certainly, I tell you plain,
I’ll make him fall!
Please only read for GOD / Jesus / Mary if you are adamant you wish to be considered for
that particular role.
Otherwise everyone will read from the printed text. (It will be helpful to learn this small
passage as it will be used during the workshop side of the audition). If you are interested in
a specific role please make a note on your audition slip and this will be taken into account
when roles are cast.
PLEASE E-MAIL ME FOR A SCRIPT AND I WILL E-MAIL YOU A COPY
or you can also find everything you need on the website.
Email: Jaytheactor@hotmail.com
Website: http://mysteryplays.tripod.com/
Mobile: 07717 573 809