JUNE PROMPT CORNER AUDITIONS

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"DANCE OF DEATH"

On a remote fortress island Edgar, captain of the artillery forces, and Alice, a former actress, are reluctantly preparing for their silver wedding anniversary. 25 years of marital misery and mind-games are coming to a head. Just in time for this, Kurt, Alice's cousin, calls in and is instantly drawn into taking sides. But who's the villain, who's the victim? Is this the end of the road for Edgar and Alice, or will only death prise them apart? Will Kurt get a decent dinner?

It's up to you whether you take "Dance of Death" as a pessimistic depiction of allconsuming hatred, or a darkly comic domestic drama. Essentially it is about one deeply dysfunctional marriage, seemingly with no way out: all that's left for the two of them is to wish the other one dead.

Thus it hardly sounds jolly, but what has kept me drawn to this piece ever since I first read it, is the twisted humour that every now and again emerges in the text. It's that particular aspect I'm keen to explore in my directorial debut, especially since often the mere mention of Strindberg seems to make people want to quietly go and slash their wrists...

CHARACTERS
EDGAR: male, playing age late 50's/early 60's
ALICE: female, playing age 50's
KURT: male, playing age 50's
JENNY: female, any age
MAIA: female, playing age over 60

Don't be put off if you feel you don't fit the age-brackett given here: should you be the right type, we can work round the age question to some extent. Don't hesitate to contact me if you have any questions: my email is here . Hope to see lots of you auditioning!
Jay Michaels, director

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