AUDITION AND CHARACTER NOTES
SETTING AND BACKGROUND INFORMATION
I am setting the play in a devastated modern city following an apocalyptic style
event. Before the event, (represented by the Sphinx in the opening chorus
monologue), Thebes was a bustling centre of trade ruled by an elite class, as per
most Western countries, but now the political situation is different. The Sphinx
brought a large period of lawlessness and anarchy to Thebes, and the ruling classes
lost much of their power and influence. Street gangs reigned supreme, and there
was a return to the mysticism of old. Their former leader, Laios, was murdered
outside of the city. In the midst of this chaos, Oedipus, a young, charismatic man of
the people came to Thebes. He successfully ended the terror of the Sphinx, and was
the people's choice for leader of Thebes. He married Jocasta, Laios' former wife, and
whilst technically the control of Thebes was split three ways between Oedipus,
Jocasta, and her brother Creon, Oedipus was the one who owned the support of the
people, and keeps Theban society in some sort of peace.
Thebes is now facing a new terror. A deadly plague has been unleashed on the city,
killing all trade, and bringing death and famine to a society already struggling to
rebuild from the aftermath of the Sphinx. The play begins with Oedipus awaiting the
return of Creon, whom he has dispatched to Delphi to gain advice from the gods.
STAGING NOTES
Much of the breaks in scenes and action are covered by speeches by the Chorus
representing the Theban people. Chorus lines will be split between the various
changing members involved. EVERYONE in the cast (with the exception of Oedipus
and Creon) will be involved in the Chorus at some point. The letters in the script next
to each chorus line are indicative only with the exception of Chorus X lines. E.g.
Chorus A will be several different individuals during the play, but only one person at
a time during a speech. The Chorus will also create and move staging where
appropriate.
The set will consist of modern items being pieced together to form city skylines and
the various places where action takes place. Essentially, its going to be like a giant
Lego kit, only with crisp boxes, scaffolding and a bicycle wheel.
CHARACTER NOTES – all ages are indicative only. I'm open minded.
Oedipus (male, late 20's-40's)
Supposedly born in Corinth to the royal family, Oedipus fled home after learning of a
terrible prophecy made by the gods. He wandered on the roads between cities for
some time, during which time he kills a man and his bodyguards, before arriving in
Thebes. He answered the riddle of the Sphinx and was installed by the Theban
people to be its new leader.
A highly charismatic character to play-a man of the people, almost Obama-esque in
the support he has from the masses. He knows where his power comes from and his
determination to aid the people ultimately leads to him discovering the horrific truth
about his life. Oedipus is very headstrong and arrogant. He believes in his own ability
to shape his own destiny, ignoring all advice given by others that want to stop him.
In Act two, Oedipus is humbled and wise. He turns to his family for support and
guidance and receives it from his daughters Antigone and Ismene.
Creon (male, 40's)
In some ways so different from Oedipus, in other ways so similar. Creon was born to
the aristocracy in Thebes. He holds the masses in disregard and has little popular
support. Suave, sophisticated, arrogant and power-hungry, he seizes the chance to
control Thebes after the death of Jocasta and the downfall of Oedipus and
establishes a ruthless military dictatorship.
Whilst his upbringing and popular support are vastly different from Oedipus, they
both share a reckless and headstrong character-Oedipus motivated by his desire to
help the masses ability, Creon by his desire to suppress them.
Jocasta (female, 30's-40's)
Former wife of Laios, current wife of Oedipus and brother of Creon. Whilst Jocasta
comes from the same family of Creon, she is more sympathetic to the people and
there is genuine affection between her and Oedipus. As she begins to realise the
truth about their relationship, she tries desperately in vain to protect the status quo
and prevent Oedipus from discovering she is his mother.
Antigone (female, early 20's)
Youngest daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta. Principled and courageous, she is a true
heroine. Antigone is determined to restore what honour she can to her family's
name after it is disgraced. She is also determined to undermine Creon when she
hears of the dictatorship he has established in Thebes.
Ismene (female, early 20's)
Elder daughter of Oedipus and Jocasta. Sympathetic to her sisters cause, but lacks
the conviction and courage of Antigone.
Haemon (male, 20's)
Son of Creon and Eurydice. Haemon is Creon's only child, and lives as much under
the power and influence of his father as the Theban people do. Grew up alongside
Antigone and he is in love with her. Dares not challenge his father until it is too late.
Teiresias (probably male, open age)
Some call him a bit crazy, others call him a prophet. A wandering and mystical
nomad, Teiresias seems to be a couple of sandwiches short of a picnic. However, he
possesses a great inner wisdom and vision. Looked down upon by the ruling classes
because of his lack of hygiene, blindness and strange mannerisms.
Messager (male, open age)
A messenger from Corinth. Finds Thebes a little bit strange and bizarre, and is
ultimately not afraid to say so to its leader. Let's just say that Corinth is a bit like
Kensington, and Thebes is a bit Newham to him.
Sheepman (male, 40's-older)
Man from countryside outside of Thebes. Has developed a stammer and is probably
in the early stages of Alzheimer's.
Big Man and the Road Kids (male/female, most ages acceptable)
A kind of road gang who live on the way to Colonus. Bunch of chavs. Big Man could
be ironic name.
Eurydice (female, 40's)
Creon's wife. Very aristocratic. Has great plans for her darling only child.
Priestess/Statesperson/Guards/Sentries (male/female, any age considered.)
Other characters featured in the play.
Chorus (anyone and everyone)