Description of the play
When a rhinoceros charges across the town square one Sunday afternoon, Berenger, an unremarkable middle-class minion working in a boring office job, thinks nothing of it. The townsfolk are confused and fascinated, and one by one they succumb to group-think and turn into rhinos themselves. Berenger’s whole world is under threat. What will it take for him to stand up to the increasing menace of Rhinocerisation? The sublime is confused with the ridiculous in this savage satire on mindlessness and conformity. Written by Eugene Ionesco in 1958, Rhinoceros is as relevant as ever: Just who are the rhinoceroses of today?
Important Dates
- Production Dates: November 15, 16, 21, 23 at 7:30 p.m., November 17 at 2 p.m., and
November 22 at 11 a.m. - Audition/Crew Interviews: Wednesday 9/25 and Thursday 9/26 in Center Stage Theater
3:30-6:30 p.m. - Rehearsals will be Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, 3:15-6:45 p.m. No
Friday rehearsals until tech week when
rehearsals will end at 9:30-10:00 p.m. as we add in costumes, lights, etc. - Tech week begins 11/8; there will be technical rehearsals during the day on 11/ 9 & 11/10.
What to prepare
No preparations necessary. Selections from the script will be provided for cold readings.
Characters
(Flexible age ranges and genders; actors may play more than one part)
An Everyman slacker who finds neither his work nor the culture around him fulfilling. Alienated and confused as to why he has been displaced, he is unwilling to commit himself to anything in life but his love for Daisy. His friend Jean constantly reprimands Berenger for his uncouth appearance and apathetic attitudes.
Berenger’s foil, a highly cultured, arrogant man who prides himself on his rationality. He urges Berenger to be more like him. There are cracks in his façade of efficiency.
Berenger’s love interest. Uncommitted to anything, she doesn’t mind the presence of the rhinoceroses, but is eager to make sense of what is happening.
A senior member of Berenger’s office, cynical, skeptical, and jealous of Dudard’s rising stature. He refuses to believe at first the presence of the rhinos and seeks rational explanations for everything.
Berenger’s respected co-worker and a rival for Daisy’s affections. He prides himself on his intellect and rationality.
The head of Berenger’s office. He privileges work above his employees.
A highly rational man who believes strictly in the laws of logic, though his attempts to prove anything often collapse.
Wife of Berenger’s co-worker who remains devoted to her husband when he transforms into a rhinoceros.
Each of these characters is a distinct character type. They interact with one another and establish the circumstances of the play: The Old Gentleman, the Grocer, the Grocer’s Wife, the Housewife, the Café Proprietor, and the Waitress.
Transparency and open communication are values that are extremely important to us; if you have any questions or need more information, please email the director: Betsy Richard, Drama Faculty: brichard@lowercolumbia.edu