‘Purple is the Noblest Shroud’ is looking for a cast!

We’re looking for a cast for a new, student-written play! ‘Purple is the Noblest Shroud’ will take place in Pembroke Cellars in the first week of Easter term. Audition times are below! We are also accepting self-tapes until midnight on the 27th.

• Mon 24th Feb, 15:00–17:00, Trinity College
• Tue 25th Feb, 15:00–17:00, Trinity College
• Wed 26th Feb, 15:00–17:00, Trinity College

Hi everyone! We’re Edie and Zach (your co-directors), and we’re beyond excited to announce auditions for Purple is the Noblest Shroud! This is a student-written play by me (Edie). I’m currently the chair of the Royal Shakespeare Company’s Youth Advisory Board, and the play is currently being workshopped with the RSC’s New Works department!

We’re aiming to create a supportive and rewarding rehearsal environment, with plenty of time during the Easter vacation for learning lines and character development. We want to make this manageable, meaningful, and fun for everyone involved!

About the Play
This drama takes its title from a speech by the Empress Theodora, who in 532 AD, convinced Emperor Justinian not to abandon Constantinople in its darkest hour. That speech changed history.
However, Theodora’s contributions have often been overlooked or distorted. Chronicled as a ‘whore’ by Procopius—our charming (read: bitter) historical narrator—Theodora was in fact one of the first women to rule as an equal alongside an emperor.
While ‘Purple is the Noblest Shroud’ spans its fair share of battles, natural disasters, religious disputes, and plague, the play reimagines the domestic sphere of imperial rule.

We exist in an age where the American populace would rather elect a convicted felon than a black woman. This play traces the demonisation of women in politics back to antiquity. It feels as appropriate now as it was in Byzantium to tackle the injustices women face when they attempt to enter the political arena.

We are looking for…
THEODORA, Empress of Byzantium.
JUSTINIAN, husband of Theodora, Emperor of Byzantium.
PROCOPIUS, chronicler of the lives of Justinian and Theodora, narrator.
ANTONINA, noblewoman, close friend of Theodora. They were girls together. Member of Theodora’s household and confidant.
BELISARIUS, husband of Antonina, highest general of the empire.
THE PATRIARCH, leading religious authority. Timothy, Patriarch of Alexandria (only present as a voice from offstage, as if from above).
CHORUS, variously Constantinople locals (of the Green and Blue factions that divided the city), members of the Senate, alms seekers.

Whether you’re a seasoned performer or completely new to theatre, this is your chance to be part of a bold and important production that blends ancient history with biting contemporary relevance!

Audition pack: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-12RkiARzj7TxFI0JDBIAUgwSSyflsOkCG0F-KYXYgM/edit

Contact ec908@cam.ac.uk before 28th Feb 2025 00:00 for more details.