Six Characters in Search of an Author
by Luigi Pirandello, translated by John Linstrum

Synopsis

Six characters arrive in a theatre during rehearsals; they are characters from an unwritten play. Trapped inside a traumatic event from which they long to escape, the director reluctantly invites them to act out the key events of their lives, much to the unease and astonishment of the actors.

Background

Since its explosive premiere in Rome in 1921 Six Characters in Search of an Author has gained worldwide recognition most notably in Italy, UK, France, Russia, Germany and the USA. Six Characters had inspired and was staged by leading directors of the time; Reinhardt, Komisarjevsky, Pemberton, Pitoeff and the 1990s saw a modern adaptation by Franco Zeffirelli. The play has been performed in mainstream commercial theatre as well as avant-garde venues and has also been adapted for the screen.

Six Characters is regarded as a key mile stone in 20th century theatre. In many ways it would seem it did for the theatre of the day what Cubism, Dada, and the beginnings of the Surrealist movement was doing in the visual arts in the same period. Six Characters and Pirandello"s work subsequently after that pushed and in some cases dismantled the boundaries between audiences and actors. Pirandello"s work as a writer also influenced key writers in the mid to latter half of the 20th Century such as Beckett, Pinter and Ayckbourn.

Why should you audition or get involved with Six Characters?

Six Characters will provide a challenge for those taking part. Unlike any other play I have come across it will require people to clearly illustrate what is 'real' and 'artificial' in word and action in a very subtle and unfussy way. For example the play revolves around two distinct groups; ACTORS and CHARACTERS. Unless these two groups are clearly defined from the outset the production will fail.

This play would suit experienced actors seeking a challenge as well as those who are looking to gain confidence and experience in performing. The cast demographic is literally from 6 and upwards.

Eighteen months ago I held a clubnight on Six Characters where we read selected scenes and discussed my ideas. The reception from the members as to whether I should proceed with it as a fully fledged production was positive.

Everyman has never done Six Characters and this play fits perfectly with Everyman's philosophy of providing challenging, enjoyable and innovative theatre that everybody can enjoy.

The play provides a mixture of rye humour, sensitive and disturbing scenes through to outright tragedy.

Concept in brief:

My objective is to adapt the piece for the Chapter theatre space. I want to provide an unpretentious, very crisp, lively, naturalistic and fast moving production. The aim is to make the evening appear spontaneous and real. I will be relying heavily on lighting and different levels for staging rather than actual 'set'. I will be using a 1979 translation by John Linstrum, published by Methuen.

Dramatis Personae

I am looking for ACTORS/CREW and CHARACTERS, in total a minimum of 15 to a maximum of 18.

Please Note:

1. The emphasis is on an aptitude to sing and dance rather than a lot of experience. (You will only sing one or two unaccompanied verses and do a short dance) It is the ability to tackle the complexities of the character that are much more important.
2. In the text the DSM is referred to as the prompter. Playing age: As a general note do not be put off by some of the age ranges stated - in particular the younger roles- if for example you are in your mid 20s but look younger then you could be cast as the step daughter. Mid 30s could play late 20s etc.

Casting will be complete by Sunday 11th Sept.

First rehearsal: 7:30pm, Tuesday 13th September, Everyman Studio