[theatrebug]

Hello all! I'm new here...and I love this site already! This is such an amazing idea, and what a great resource for actors and techies alike.

I'm a few weeks into rehearsals as Queen Aggravain, and though I feel I have a pretty firm grip on the part, I'm looking for something deeper in her...I know it's hard to explain WHY someone is a mean, hypochondriacal drama queen who hates her husband, but I'd like to try and bring something else to her onstage! (Also, any tips you have on the "Mamalogue" are greatly appreciated!)

Thanks so much!

-theatrebug

[Tenalto]

I think the thing about Aggravain is that she's been running on a power high for however long. She was probably fairly good-looking and talented when she was in her princess days, and consequently became rather full of herself. She marries Sextimus, and then (assuming he goes mute around the time Dauntless is born, say a year or so into the marriage), she's basically running the kingdom because she's sure of herself, commanding, and everyone is rather afraid of a woman who's comfortable with a lot of power. Since she runs the joint, she loses respect for Sextimus because he can't really do much politically without his voice. Little Dauntless is raised tied to her apron strings, and having someone who will do exactly what she says and loves her for being so in control of his life undoubtedly stokes her ego and sense of self-importance. The threat of having her son/puppy taken away through marriage is not a nice idea; thus, the princess tests, and who better to model the perfect princess off of than herself?

Essentially, I think she's afraid of losing some of her power, even if it's only the power she has over her son.