Incident at Vichy - Auditions
Audition: Sunday 7th August 2022, 6.00 pm (Auditorium & Foyer, HHT)
Performances: Tuesday 15th – Saturday 19th November 2022
‘In Vichy, France (occupied France 1942) a group of men sit outside an office waiting to be questioned. The reason they are there is obvious enough – they are, for the most part, Jews. As rumours pass between them of trains full of people locked from the outside and furnaces in Poland, they try to reassure themselves that nothing so monstrous could be true. But in this claustrophobic setting their panic rises’.
This is a powerful and thought-provoking play dealing as it does with themes of the Holocaust, genocide and diversity. How can humanity let this happen, and continue to happen? But Incident at Vichy is also an immensely personal play where individual kindnesses and consciences are played out ending in the ultimate gift from one man to another.
This is an amazing opportunity for about 16 men (yes 16!). There are no small parts - many are ‘waiting’ much of the time. There can be no doubling and every part is distinct and will be noticed within the whole. There is a range of ages from a teenager upwards and indeed most can be very flexible age wise. This is a fantastic opportunity for a powerful and committed performance. Come and do something different – you will not be disappointed.
Ladies – we would absolutely love to cast across gender.
Characters
Marchand: A businessman, confident. He is let go from the questioning early in the play but important early on. Flexible age.
Lebeau: Very fearful, potentially too outspoken and aggressive for his own good. Script says unkempt. Flexible age, possibly younger.
Bayard: Script says a railway worker. Knowing, and questioning. At many times leading the argument and rumour. Of working age.
Monceau: Well-dressed, cheerful and rational. A bit of a denier at what is happening or perhaps he can’t face the truth. An actor. Medium part. Flexible age.
Gypsy: Possibly a non-native accent. Small but important part. Flexible age.
Waiter: Flexible working age more likely younger. Clearly gets beaten up (offstage) but we have to hear that distress. Medium part.
Major: German – leading the enquiry but it becomes clear he does not want to be part of it. Not on active service because of an injury. Medium part.
Old Jew: No lines except some moans but presence absolutely crucial. Fantastic part for an older actor.
Le Duc: A doctor. Articulates much of the argument of the play especially with Von Berg. A key part demanding a big emotional range from despairing to angry and articulate. Flexible working age.
Von Berg An Austrian aristocrat. Complacent and possibly arrogant but gives the ultimate gift of freedom to Le Duc. A large part who also drives the narrative along with Le Duc especially in the second half of the play.
Boy: Must be able to play 16ish. Terrified at times. Smaller part but not insignificant.
Professor: A collaborator with the Germans. His motives are not honest. Medium part. Flexible age, possibly older.
Police Captain: Prepared to use his power.
Ferrand: A bit of a collaborator. Small part.
2 Detectives: Effectively German SS or something similar. Smaller parts.
Extras required - At the end it is very clear in the script that the whole cycle of bringing in men for questioning is repeated over and over. I would like as many as six men to be available every night to repeat this at the end of the play. No lines and minimal (probably one) rehearsal. Nights can be shared within a rota.
Casting
TTC has a totally open audition policy and we enjoy meeting new people. You don't have to be a TTC member to attend the reading and audition - and if you aren't available for the audition date set don't worry - you can still audition. If cast, will then be required to join as a Full Member.
For more information ttcartistic@teddingtontheatreclub.org.uk
