Network Theatre Company presents

Roberto Zucco / by Bernard-Marie Koltes / directed by James McKendick

Roberto Zucco is a very impressionistic play, with few stage directions and only the title role being given a name. It is therefore difficult to provide a conventional character breakdown as the characters have little in the way of backstory and we know little about them except in relation to their involvement in the events depicted in the play.

For example, A Girl, may not sound like the most promising role, whereas she is a central and recurring character. The age ranges for the named characters are approximate and, unless the gender of the role is self-evident or indicated, most roles are open to male or female casting.

As the piece is heavily stylised, I intend for actors to speak in their own accents. So although, for instance, it is mentioned that Zucco was born in Venice, I do not intend the actor to adopt an Italian accent (unless he happens to be Italian). Similarly, there is no requirement for characters that are members of the same family to speak in the same accent or to have any physical resemblance to one another. At the same time, I would maintain an age differential, so that, for example, a mother or father does need to be plausibly older than their child.

Several roles will probably be doubled and the intention is for the cast, beyond the title role, to operate as an ensemble, covering a variety of smaller parts that are not listed in addition to their main role(s). There will also be a considerable amount of movement involved in the piece, which will draw in members of the ensemble.

Named characters (in order of appearance)

First Prison Officer no specific age.
Second Prison Officer no specific age.
These two roles will probably be doubled with the two police officers at the end of the play. They form a semi-comedic double act, with quite a lot of cod philosophising and an inability to recognise what is right under their noses.

Roberto Zucco Mid 20s to mid 30s
Obviously central to the action throughout. The actor playing the role will need to be comfortable with movement and physicality. The play does not attempt to explain or judge his actions and much of what he says is oblique or ambiguous. The actor will need to be able to convey much more than the text itself sets out.

His Mother 40s to 50s
Appears only in the second scene and will be doubled. Has a good speech and the actor needs to be able to strike a good balance between poignancy and (dark ) humour.

A Girl Late teens to 20s
Appears in five scenes and, after Zucco, is the main recurring character in the play. She first appears as a victim, but grows in maturity, confidence and determination throughout the play. It is a challenging character arc and will require an actor with a wide playing range.

Her Sister Similar to girl, but slightly older – probably mid-20s
Appears in three scenes and has two fantastic speeches that are amongst the longest in the play.

Her Brother Probably mid to late 20s
Appears in three scenes and has a fantastic extended speech that constitutes an entire scene. A brutal, macho and fundamentally spineless character.

Her Father Around 40s-50s
Fairly small role in two scenes. Will be doubled.

Her Mother Around 40s-50s
Fairly small role in two scenes. Will be doubled

A Melancholy Detective (M) No specific age.
Appears in one scene and has one mid-length speech. Will be doubled.

Madam No specific age
Appears in two scenes, has one good speech and some great lines.

A Panic-Stricken Prostitute No specific age
Has a great speech in one scene and may double in another.

An Old Gentleman
Appears in one scene and has two long speeches.

Fatman No specific age.
Appears in one ensemble scene and has an extended fight scene. Must be physically imposing. Will be doubled.

Police Chief (Prob M)
Detective (Prob M)
Another hapless double act, but with a slightly sinister air to them.

An Elegant Lady
Appears in two extended scenes with Zucco, including one of the most dramatic and pivotal scenes. Has a large amount of dialogue.

Her Child
Appears in one of the most pivotal and dramatic scenes. Will be doubled and played by an adult actor.

An Impatient Pimp (M)
Appears in one scene with the girl’s brother and will be doubled.

First Police Officer no specific age
Second Police Officer no specific age
Very similar in character to the two prison officers at the start of the play and will probably be doubled with them.