Dionysus Theatre
Author: Moliere
Director: Melanie Thomas
Genre: Comedy
Agent: N/A
Synopsis
The Misanthrope is a farcical satirical social commentary where the wit is in the words.
This production will be set in the early 1960s and the comedy will be highlighted to reflect this era. There will be some classic surf/mambo style dance sections between scenes, think ‘Bye Bye Birdie’ VS ‘Psycho Beach Party’ in style.
SYNOPSIS (Wikipedia)
Much to the horror of his friends and companions, Alceste rejects la politesse, the social conventions of the seventeenth-century French salon. His refusal to “make nice” makes him tremendously unpopular and he laments his isolation in a world he sees as superficial and base, saying early in Act I, “… Mankind has grown so base, / I mean to break with the whole human race”.
Despite his convictions, however, Alceste cannot help but love the flighty and vivacious Célimène, a consummate flirt whose wit and frivolity epitomize the courtly manners that Alceste despises. Though he constantly reprimands her, Célimène refuses to change, charging Alceste with being unfit for society.
Despite his sour reputation as “the misanthrope”, Alceste does have women pining for him, particularly the prudish Arsinoé and the honest Eliante. Though he acknowledges their superior virtues, his heart still lies with Célimène. His deep feelings for her primarily serve to counter his negative expressions about mankind, since the fact that he has such feelings includes him amongst those he so fiercely criticizes.
When Alceste insults a sonnet written by the powerful noble, Oronte, he is called to stand trial. Refusing to dole out false compliments, he is charged and humiliated, and resolves on self-imposed exile.
Arsinoé, in trying to win his affections, shows him a love letter Célimène wrote to another suitor. He discovers that Célimène has been leading him on. She has written identical love letters to numerous suitors (including to Oronte) and broken her vow to favor him above all others. He gives her an ultimatum: he will forgive her and marry her if she runs away with him to exile. Célimène refuses, believing herself too young and beautiful to leave society and all her suitors behind. Philinte, for his part, becomes betrothed to Eliante. Alceste then decides to exile himself from society, and the play ends with Philinte and Eliante running off to convince him to return.
Characters
Characters Description:
CASTING REQUIREMENTS
*Whilst genders listed here are from the original text, feel free to audition for whichever part you would like. We will happily receive any genders for this production.
Alceste :
The protagonist and "misanthrope" of the title. As an older gentleman, he is quick to criticise the flaws of everyone around him, including himself. He cannot help but love Célimène though he loathes her behaviour.
Célimène :
A young woman who is courted by Alceste, Oronte, Acaste, and Clitandre. She is exceedingly playful and flirtatious, and likes to point out the flaws of everyone she meets behind their backs. Célimène pays much attention to social appearances. Is very much in the style of an ingénue, but a vamp behind closed doors.
Philinte :
A polite man who genuinely cares for Alceste, and recognises the importance of occasionally veiling one's true opinions in a social context. He is mainly thought of as Alceste's foil.
Éliante :
Love interest to Philinte and cousin to Célimène, who initially pines for Alceste. She possesses a good balance between societal conformity and individual expression.
Oronte :
An outgoing, seemingly confident man who also loves Célimène, for a time. His insecurity is revealed when he is unable to handle Alceste's criticism of his love sonnet.
Clitandre :
A young, pompous marquis who believes he is deserving of Célimène's love.
Acaste :
Another marquis who attempts to woo Célimène and win her love, and enjoys gossiping with her about notable social figures.
Arsinoé :
A highly moralistic woman who is jealous of the attentions which Alceste pours onto Célimène.
Basque :
Célimène's loyal servant.
Du Bois :
Alceste's farcically blundering servant.
Guard :
A messenger of the Marshals of France who asks Alceste to answer for his criticism of Oronte's poetry.
Precast Characters:
N/A
Audition Venue & Dates
Audition Dates and Times:
12:00am on:
Audition Venue Name: St Luke's Anglican Church
Audition Venue Address:
65 William Road, Carrum Downs
- also the rehearsal venue but not performance venue.
Audition Enquiries Contact: Melanie@dionysustheatre.com.au
Performances
Season Dates: 17 Jul 2020 - 25 Jul 2020
Showtimes:
Friday, July 17 - 7:30pm
Saturday, July 18 - 7:30pm
Friday, July 24 - 7:30pm
Saturday, July 25 - 7:30pm
Other Information
Other Information:
Director: Melanie Thomas
Assistant Director: Naomi Woodward
Choreographer: Cadi MacInnes
PRODUCTION DATES :
July 17 & 18 at The MC Showroom (St. Kilda)
24 & 25 at Chapel off Chapel (St. Kilda)
Each actor books in to a fifteen-minute time slot. You are required to prepare a monologue or solo comedy skit. It doesn’t matter where it’s from (although theatrical would be a bonus); your aim is to MAKE US LAUGH!
There will be some scenes provided on the day to read with a company actors. You will have access to these short scenes upon booking your time slot. You will also be required to learn a short dance sequence. You will be given a link to a private YouTube video where you can learn the dance.
INDEPENDENT PRODUCTION
Dionysus Theatre is an independent, not-for-profit company located near Frankston on the Mornington Peninsula. All artists are to audition for the show on the understanding that this is non-professional theatre.
Rehearsals will be held on Monday and Thursday evenings at the audition venue - those who are regular contributors to Dionysus Theatre, please note the change in location.
