Aida Opinons

I'm directing a production of Aida this summer (at a community theatre) and I wanted to get a few opinions on something. I asked to do this show because a)I have been making it a point of bringing newer shows to this theatre in addition to the classics and b)I was hoping to attract a larger group of African American actors to this theatre so we can do more shows that need diverse casts. I've done everything I can think of to spread awareness that we're doing this show everywhere. My question is this: If I don't get enough African American actors (who can handle the roles - I don't want to cast on looks alone)do I cast it racially incorrect and still do it (possibly altering the museum concept to allow this - perhaps using a concept of actors putting it on for kids, etc)or do I cancel the show? I've seen a few professional productions (and many high schools) do it without any African Americans and the contract from MTI does not state that it's required. But would I just be butchering the show if I don't have any African American actors?

Nubians are not Caucasian.

I would say if you got AT LEAST the lead Nubians to be Black you could get away with having the Nubian ensemble being caucasian

I don't think race should really matter. The contrast between Egyptians and Nubians can be achived through costumes. Also, if you're interested in different concepts, I saw a production that used kids during "Every Story is a Love Story" instead of the actors playing the leading couple.

I agree that you could mix the chorus. Look for a variety that could pass or be transformed into non-caucasian actors, but stick to African Americans for the leads for beliveabilty.

AIDA is a "love it or hate it" kind of show. I "liked" it very much on Broadway and the Bd'w tour starring British actor Paulette Ivory.

However, there was a dreadful non-equity production making the rounds a few years back.

Do your homework on the time period in which this piece was written and be true to it with costumes, sets and choreography. The NE tour had GAP clothes, call girl dancing and plastic mops and buckets.

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I agree with whomever said that Aida and her father absolutely need to be black. I think you could get away with an ethnic Nehebka (since it's such a small role). I think it would be extremely laughable to listen to a white Aida try to sing those songs.

Have you thought about advertising your auditions in black churches, or contacting the choir directors of those churches? That might be an interesting way to attract talented singers (which is all the ensemble needs to be).

A local high school did Aida with an all-white cast, but I didn't see it. My friend saw it and liked it, but he wasn't familiar with the show at all.

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It really depends on the direction and design. I don't know why the Broadway production felt compelled to cast along racial lines. The visual aspect of ancient Egypt was pretty much abandoned the moment the story flashed back out of the museum. There were hints and suggestions of Egyptian symbology and silhouettes, but nothing that indicated anything remotely historically accurate. The layering of modern sets, lighting, music and VERY contemporary performances by several leads created a rather messy heterogeneous show, so more racially diverse casting would not have been out of place in the least.

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How ironic. I saw a production of "Aida" earlier this month done by the local performing arts high school. As suggested before Aida, Nehebka, King Amonasro, and Mereb were all played by Africa-American performers. The ensemble was mixed, but still predominantly white. The ensemble doubled as Nubians and Egyptians depending on the scene.

I thought it worked fine. Although, I did make a comment to my companion during "The Gods Love Nubia" about the "whiteness" of the Nubians. That was the only spot where I really thought it was apparent. However, the show was well received by the audience and I didn't hear anyone else make similar comments.

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