The Odyssey
Adapted by Mary Zimmerman
From the epic poem by Homer
Performance Dates: May 14-16, 21-23
Synopsis: This dramatic adaptation of Homer’s myth begins with a modern young woman struggling to understand Robert Fitzgerald’s translation of The Odyssey. A classical muse appears, and the young woman becomes the goddess Athena – a tireless advocate for Odysseus in his struggle to get home. With her trademark irreverent and witty twist on classic works, Zimmerman brings to life the story of Odysseus’ ten-year journey home, depicting his encounters with characters such as Circe, the Cyclops, Poseidon, Calypso, the Sirens and others.
Audition Date: March 6th and 7th
Audition Location: Room 229 (report to Tremper’s Studio Theater Room 120); Enter Tremper through Door 27 which is closest to 30th Avenue and 85th Street. Park in the west parking lot, on the north end (closest to 85th)
Audition Times: 3:00-7:00 (March 6th) and 10:00-1:00 (March 7th)
Audition Sign Up: Students will be able to sign up here for a 15 minute time slot on either audition date. A reminder will be emailed to each student two days before their audition date. Three students will be assigned to each time slot, and will audition at the same time.
Audition Details: Students are asked to perform one monologue from the provided monologues.
These monologues do not need to be fully memorized, but the performer should be quite familiar with them. Students will also be asked to do movement activities with partner to show physical expression and movement.
Characters*:
There are many characters in this play, and the script suggests the breakdown below. However, depending on the auditions, we may divide the characters differently. Additionally, the genders identified in the script may not be adhered to.
First Woman – Athena
Second Woman – Muse, Calypso, Companion to Nausicaa, Phaecian, Sailor, Enchanted Animal, Siren, Scylla, Argos
Third Woman – Penelope, Companion to Nausicaa, Phaecian, Sailor, Enchanted Animal, Siren
Fourth Woman – Eurycleia, Companion to Nausicaa, Lotus Eater, Sailor, Odysseus’s Mother, Siren, Scylla
Fifth Woman – Denizen of Heaven, Maid, Sailor, Eidothea, Companion to Nausicaa, Phaecian, Lotus Eater, Sheep, Circ, Scylla, Sheep of Helios
Sixth Woman – Maid, Townsperson, Sailor, Nausicaa, Lotus Eater, Sheep, Siren, Scylla
Seventh Woman – Maid, Helen, Drummer, Companion to Nausicaa, Phaecian, Siren
Eighth Woman – Phemios, Arete, Lotus Eater, Sairo, Siren
First Man – Odysseus
Second Man – Zeus, Cyclops, Demodocus
Third Man – Telemachus, Drummer, Lotus Eater, Enchanted Animal
Fourth Man – Antinous, Phaecian, Sailor
Fifth Man – Aeolus, Teiresias, Eumaeus
Sixth Man – Suitor, Sailor, Young Menelaus, Hermes, Phaecian, First Neighboring Cyclops
Seventh Man – Halitherses, Alcinous, Sailor
Eighth Man – Suitor, Mentor, Menelaus, Sailor, Phaecian
Ninth Man – Suitor, Proteus, Drummer, Phaecian, Lotus Eater, Sheep
Tenth Man – Suitor, Sailor, Eteonus, Phaecian
Eleventh Man – Suitor, Sailor, Neoman, Phaecian, Elpenor
Twelfth Man – Poseidon, Suitor, Sailor, Phaecian, Second Neighboring Cyclops
Thirteenth Man – Laertes
Rehearsal Information: Rehearsals will officially begin in March. Rehearsals will typically occur after school from 4:30 until 8:00. Rehearsals are currently planned to occur on Mondays through Fridays (however, the rehearsal calendar will be built around scheduling conflicts as much as possible). A complete rehearsal calendar will be shared through KUSD Google Drive once the cast list is posted. Cast members are not permitted to miss more than three rehearsals, unless absences were already scheduled, so please list all conflicts on your audition form. No absences will be allowed during tech rehearsals.