“Orlando” adapted from the novel by Virginia Woolf
Orlando wanders out of the mists of Virginia Woolf’s mind as a teenage heartthrob in the court of Elizabeth I. Never aging past thirty, Orlando lives many generations as a man on a search for meaning before magically becoming a woman, thus subjected to a new and also impossible set of gender standards. Virginia’s love for Orlando radiates as the two intertwine across centuries, through Orlando’s transitions, and into the present moment, embracing queerness in all its beauty, connecting this historical meditation on gender and sexuality to modern audiences.
Cast
One person plays Virginia and no one else. One person plays Orlando and no one else. The ensemble may be assigned roles in innumerable ways, depending on the number of actors cast. This show is designed to be played by people of all gender identities and expressions. However, to be true to Virginia and Orlando’s spirits, neither of those roles should be filled by cis men. Suggested casting breakdown for eight or nine actors: Virginia Orlando Ensemble 1: Queen Elizabeth, Courtier #1, King Charles II, Person #2, Party Guest #3, Nick Green, Billie Jean King, Edward Albee, Woman #3 Ensemble 2: Orlando’s Father, Sailor, Doctor #3, Harriet/Harry, Lawyer #2, Party Guest #2, Woman #6 Ensemble 3: Grimsditch, Turkish Diplomat, Lady Mary, Suffragette, Radio Announcer, TV Anchor, Woman #4 Ensemble 4: Harlot, Euphrosyne, Courtier #2, Doctor #2, Lawyer #1, Gossip #1, Newspaper Seller #1, Woman #1 Ensemble 5: Clorinda, Sasha, Sir Adrian Scrope, Shelmerdine, Party Guest #1, Orlando’s Son, Woman #5 Ensemble 6: Flavilla, Courtier #3, Doctor #1, Person #1, Captain, Gossip #2, Newspaper Seller #2, Woman #2 Placard Manager (nonspeaking, optional)
Authors
Em Christie
