I don't think it's critical to Steven Dietz's vision for actors to appear in both worlds, though it does depend on your vision for the show.
I directed
Still Life with Iris last school year with my Middle School students. I split all characters up, so I had 21 kids in the show. It allowed more students to be involved. (My Tunnel people also appeared as citizens in Nocturno, and my Nocturno citizens (Hazel, Elmer, Thunder Bottlers, etc) were extras in the Tunnel. This gave all students more things to do.) This also made participation more manageable for students, as they did not have to be at every rehearsal. In sum, it worked really well for us.
My suggestion would be to look to how you can provide opportunities for your students. Maybe you cast one student as Gretta and another as Hazel/Captain Also. This brings two kids in instead of one, and gives them both really cool things to do. Or maybe you split into three and then you've got three kids involved instead of one (though two with admittedly smaller roles)!
Have fun with this awesome show!
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Robin Willis
Middle School Drama Teacher
Johannesburg, South Africa
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Original Message:
Sent: 01-10-2018 17:59
From: Nancy Vitulli
Subject: Still Life With Iris Double Casting
Hello All,
I am in a dilemna over casting for Still Life With Iris. While the script suggests character doubling, I have seen many different interpretations for casting choices at various websites. For those that are familiar with the script, do you think it is integral to the playwright's vision to double cast the residents of Nocturno with the residents of Great Island? For example, I have two very strong candidates for Gretta and Grotto Good but would like to afford two younger actors the chance to participate as Hazel and Elmer. Also, I have a large number of good kids who auditioned so I wonder if I can split characters such as the Leaf Monitor/Annabel Lee or The Flower Painter/Mozart. I am still struggling with the dual realities in the play and the importance of having characters appear in both worlds. Any advice or insight is appreciated.
Much thanks,
Nancy
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Nancy Vitulli
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