Don Carlos
By Frederick Schiller, in a new adaptation by Mike Poulton
Show Dates:
London (The Cockpit Theatre): 5th and 6th August 2008
Edinburgh Festival (C Cubed Main Space, Celtic Lodge, Royal Mile) : Sunday 17th-Saturday 23rd August
Audition Dates:
Saturday 26th April
Sunday 27th April (calls backs TBC)
Synopsis of Play:
Don Carlos, the Crown Prince, is passionately in love with Elizabeth, the French princess to whom he was once betrothed. Carlos’s tyrannical father, King Phillip II of Spain, decides to marry Elizabeth himself. The young prince’s hatred for his cold, distant parent knows no bounds. He enlists old friend Rodgrigo, the Marquis of Posa to act as a go between. But Posa decides to convert Carlos’s and Elizabeth’s youthful passion into a full scale rebellion against the king’ bloody regime.
Swift moving action, impassioned speeches and boldly drawn characters make this one of Schiller’s most exciting works.
Directors Note:
‘A family portrait in a royal household’ is how Schiller attempted to sell his project to the National Theatre. It sounds cosy but it is a grim scenario that emerges, frustrated and near incestuous passion, sexual jealousy and intrigue, finally rebellion and murder all played out within the stifling formalities of court and the gaze of not only the self interested couriers but also the Spanish Inquisition.
This version of Schiller’s classic will be set in a modern or near modern era. With a strong focus on the themes of honour, family and the corruptive nature of power the play falls neatly into a modern Mafioso setting (think The Godfather, rather than The Sopranos or Casino)
Set will be minimal in order to stage the performance at the Edinburgh Festival but the look and feel will be cinematic in scope. The script has been cut down to 1hr 30mins.
Auditions:
More details will be sent out to all those who register. There will be a set scene to prepare to be confirmed nearer the time. Most of the audition however will involve reading various parts given out on the day.
There is a £5 audition fee if you are not already a member. To register for these auditions please email Rebecca.m.smith@gmail.com. Please state which part(s) you are interested in
Workshop:
There will be a pre audition workshop on the 22nd of April (venue and further details TBC) where you can get the opportunity to hear more about the show and ask questions, This is not compulsory if you want to audition, and is not part of the auditioning process.
Rehearsals
Rehearsals will take place on Tuesday, Thursday (6.30-9.30ish) and Sunday (11-4ish). Not everyone will be called to all rehearsals and it is likely that rehearsals will not be as frequent at the start of the rehearsal period.
There is a £20 participation fee plus all cast members will be expected to join SEDOS. Current membership is £30 for the year. If you were not a member when auditioning your £5 audition fee will be refunded when you join.
Edinburgh Information
If you are cast in the London run you will be required to come to Edinburgh for the festival leg of the run thus will need to take time off work. You will also be required to take Tuesday 5th August off work for the London dress rehearsal.
This is a non-profit venture, so our cast and crew do not get paid. Those who are involved will be expected to fund themselves for the Edinburgh part of the run (accommodation, travel, etc). In the past SEDOS has arranged for group travel and accommodation to keep the costs down (all traveling on the train together is the norm) The show Producer will be organising accommodation for those who do not wish to organise for themselves.
Contacts:
Rebecca Smith (Director) on 07725 952 947 or rebecca.m.smith@gmail.com
Rebecca Weymouth (Producer) rebecca.weymouth@gmail.com
Characters:
King Phillip II of Spain and the Netherlands
Don Carlos the Crown Prince, his son
Queen Elizabeth, the daughter of Henri II of France
Rodrigo, Marquis of Posa, a Knight of Malta, Carlos’s friend
Princess Eboli, a lady in waiting
Duchess of Olivarez, chief lady in waiting
Duke of Alba, the King’s adviser and military commander
Domingo, the Kings confessor
Count Lerma, the King’s chamberlain
Gabriel De La Cueva, a page to the Queen
The Cardinal Grand Inquisitor
To be kept up to date about sedos auditions, join our Auditions mailing list! Just email auditions@sedos.co.uk. For information about upcoming auditions with other companies, click here
