The Liar

simplydramatic · The Liar

My local community theater is holding auditions for the play, "The Liar" in about a month. The play was originally written in Italian by Carlo Goldoni, but has been translated into English. I know the synopsis and a VERY basic outline of the characters. I was wondering if anyone knew anything more about the show or characters (especially the maid and two daughters.) Does anyone know the publisher? I would love to be able to read a couple of lines before the audition. Also, what monologue would you recommend? Thanks!

Satine

I just finished this play up. It's wonderfully fun. Are you doing the English translation from a few decades ago, or the fairly new translation by Andrew and Sara Barnicle? That one's a bit different, but the characters are basically the same. Samuel French has the earlier translation. Columbina is the maid--she's the sly, sarcastic, bawdy female servant. The two daughters are Beatrice and Rosaura--much like the two stepsisters from Cinderella, but a bit more romantic and foolish. As for monologues, I would definitely suggest maybe one of Katharine's from "Taming Of The Shrew"--their characters are a bit similar. Hope that helps somewhat.

simplydramatic

Thank you so much for replying! I was starting to lose hope!

Okay, the audition notice does not say which translation they are using. It says it is the version with two acts. Would you recommend ordering the script? If so, who is the publisher of the two act version? Is this the Samuel French version? I think the there is another version at dramatists.org....

I'm in my late teens, so do you think I'd be the right age for one of the daughters? Am I correct is believing that the play is based on a more "natural" versus an "over the top" comedy?

Thanks again for your help!

Satine

Weird...I think that BOTH translations are two acts. I would go ahead and order the translation from Samuel French--I think you can only get the newer Barnicle translation from the Barnicles, because I sure couldn't find it anywhere when I auditioned initially for theirs (Andrew Barnicle directed it at Laguna Playhouse, with his wife Sara's translation--we were only the 2nd company to do their version). The earlier translation will give you a good understanding of the characters anyway. Check out dramatists.org and see who it lists as the writers.

Depending on what kind of ensemble is in your company, you could very well play any of the females, yet Columbina is a bit wiser than the daughters. In our version, they were pretty much spoiled brats, but the audience still thought them to be endearing. Rosaura is pretty dramatic and VERY romantic (one of the stock "lover" characters"), Beatrice is very jealous of Rosaura.

The old translation is completely "commedia del arte", which is a stylized form of over-the-top comedy. Our director wanted us to play it like it was a cartoon. Big, sharp movements. Go nuts at your audition, because the director can ALWAYS pull you back. That's easier to do than build you up...know what I mean? Good luck--hope this helps! Smile

simplydramatic	The Liar My local community theater is holding auditions for the play, "The Liar" in about a month. The play was originally written in Italian by Carlo Goldoni, but has been translated into English. I know the synopsis and a VERY basic outline of the characters. I was wondering if anyone knew anything more about the show or characters (especially the maid and two daughters.) Does anyone know the publisher? I would love to be able to read a couple of lines before the audition. Also, what monologue would you recommend? Thanks!
Satine	I just finished this play up. It's wonderfully fun. Are you doing the English translation from a few decades ago, or the fairly new translation by Andrew and Sara Barnicle? That one's a bit different, but the characters are basically the same. Samuel French has the earlier translation. Columbina is the maid--she's the sly, sarcastic, bawdy female servant. The two daughters are Beatrice and Rosaura--much like the two stepsisters from Cinderella, but a bit more romantic and foolish. As for monologues, I would definitely suggest maybe one of Katharine's from "Taming Of The Shrew"--their characters are a bit similar. Hope that helps somewhat.
simplydramatic	Thank you so much for replying! I was starting to lose hope! Okay, the audition notice does not say which translation they are using. It says it is the version with two acts. Would you recommend ordering the script? If so, who is the publisher of the two act version? Is this the Samuel French version? I think the there is another version at dramatists.org.... I'm in my late teens, so do you think I'd be the right age for one of the daughters? Am I correct is believing that the play is based on a more "natural" versus an "over the top" comedy? Thanks again for your help!
Satine	Weird...I think that BOTH translations are two acts. I would go ahead and order the translation from Samuel French--I think you can only get the newer Barnicle translation from the Barnicles, because I sure couldn't find it anywhere when I auditioned initially for theirs (Andrew Barnicle directed it at Laguna Playhouse, with his wife Sara's translation--we were only the 2nd company to do their version). The earlier translation will give you a good understanding of the characters anyway. Check out dramatists.org and see who it lists as the writers. Depending on what kind of ensemble is in your company, you could very well play any of the females, yet Columbina is a bit wiser than the daughters. In our version, they were pretty much spoiled brats, but the audience still thought them to be endearing. Rosaura is pretty dramatic and VERY romantic (one of the stock "lover" characters"), Beatrice is very jealous of Rosaura. The old translation is completely "commedia del arte", which is a stylized form of over-the-top comedy. Our director wanted us to play it like it was a cartoon. Big, sharp movements. Go nuts at your audition, because the director can ALWAYS pull you back. That's easier to do than build you up...know what I mean? Good luck--hope this helps!

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The Liar