Upper School Auditions

Auditions for “Aulis and Argos: A Family Tragedy” will be held in Trapier Theater on Monday, September 12 and Tuesday, September 13, from 6:00-8:00 pm. This play is an adaptation of two Greek tragedies written by Euripides and Aeschylus. Auditions are open to all Upper School students. A light dinner will be served on the evening of auditions. Students who plan to audition should complete the audition form below and sign up for an audition time to the left. Please contact Mr. Bishop with any questions.

WHAT: Auditions for “Aulis and Argos: A Family Tragedy”

WHO: NCS and STA students in grades 9-12

WHERE: Trapier Theater, St. Albans School

WHEN: Tuesday, September 12 or Wednesday, September 13, from 6:00-8:00 pm

The legend surrounding these two families, and the blood that is spilled by them and among them, is one of the greatest sources for Greek Tragedy. All three playwrights, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides, chose to work with these legends from different perspectives at different times in 5th century BCE Classical Athens.

I have chosen “Iphigenia in Aulis” and “Agamemnon” for this adaptation. The first shows the royal family at its moment of crisis at the start of the Trojan War, and the second shows the aftermath and results of that crisis at the close of the Trojan War.

“Iphigenia In Aulis” was written by Euripides around the year 405 BCE. This work tells the story of Agamemnon’s sacrifice of his daughter, Iphigenia, before the Greeks sailed to Troy for the Trojan War. A guilt wracked Agamemnon tries to undo a scheme that he put in place, but is thwarted by his brother Menelaus. His wife, and queen, Clytaemnestra can not believe that he would carry out this sacrifice. Achilles vows his support to Clytaemenstra, to no avail. Eventually, Iphigenia accepts her sacrifice for the good of all of Hellas and bravely moves to her death, telling her mother to not hold any ill will to her father.

“Agamemnon” was written by Aeschylus in 458 BCE. This work tells the story of Agamemnon’s return from the Trojan war. The play opens with a watchman waiting for a sign that Troy has fallen, which he sees in the early morning sky. Clytaemnestra confirms this sign and prepares for Agamemnon’s return. While the Chorus of Argive elders are glad to hear this news, they share their sense of foreboding that, perhaps, all is not well in Argos. A herald from the army arrives, confirming the Greek victory at Troy, Agamemnon’s return, and the fact that Menelaus’ ship was lost at sea. Agamemnon arrives, with his concubine and war bride, Cassandra, a Trojan princess and prophetess of Apollo. Clytaemnestra gives Agamemnon a hero’s welcome and opens the palace doors, welcoming her husband’s return. She also tells Cassandra that she should enter the palace as well, welcoming her as a benevolent new master. Before Cassandra enters the palace she foretells Agamemnon’s death and her own. The play ends with Aegisthus and Clytaemenstra taking control of Argos, and the Chorus hoping that justice will prevail.