Richard challenges Robert's moral integrity regarding a bizarre inheritance that requires a name change to the ridiculous 'Wurzel-Flummery'. Through a series of hypothetical questions, Richard exposes Robert's hypocrisy in justifying the acceptance of the money as a 'sacred duty' rather than simple greed.
RICHARD: I can tell you something else that Shakespeare— William Shakespeare—said. Who steals my purse with fifty thousand in it—steals trash. Trash, Robert: But he who filches from me my good name of Crawshaw and substitutes the rotten one of Wurzel—
CRAWSHAW: As a matter of fact, Wurzel-Flummery is a very good old name. I seem to remember…
Format: Duologue · Genre: comedy · Source: Wurzel-flummery · Author: A. A. Milne · Characters: Richard, Crawshaw
This duologue, titled "Richard's Philosophical Argument for Taking the Money," is a brilliant comedy piece from A. A. Milne's play, Wurzel-flummery. It features Richard, who deftly challenges Crawshaw's moral stance on accepting a peculiar inheritance. The scene explores themes of hypocrisy, social satire, and the perceived morality surrounding money, offering a rich landscape for comedic exploration.
Richard is a sharp-witted and sarcastic individual, using his intellect to dismantle Crawshaw's self-righteous justifications. He possesses a philosophical and persuasive nature, demonstrated through his strategic questioning and ability to lead Crawshaw into a logical corner. Crawshaw, on the other hand, presents as initially complacent and a bit pompous, attempting to maintain an air of moral superiority, which Richard systematically undermines.
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions due to its clever dialogue and the clear arc it provides for Richard. It showcases an actor's ability to handle comedic timing, deliver sarcastic jabs with precision, and build persuasive arguments. The verbal sparring allows for dynamic interplay between characters, even in a self-tape scenario where the other half of the duologue is implied, making it excellent for demonstrating responsiveness and nuanced facial expressions.
This piece is ideally suited for male actors in their 30s to 50s. It will particularly resonate with actors who excel in character roles, playing authority figures, or those with an upper-class demeanor, as well as actors known for their comedic timing. Given its sophisticated wit and sharp dialogue, it's an excellent choice for drama school auditions, agent showcases, or general practice to hone comedic skills.
When performing Richard, lean into the sarcastic and philosophical tone, using pauses and vocal inflections to highlight the absurdity of Crawshaw's position. Focus on a clear vocal delivery that emphasizes the intelligent nature of the dialogue without being overly academic. For Crawshaw's lines (even if only implied for a single actor audition), imagine his complacent demeanor and then his growing annoyance, allowing your reactions as Richard to be informed by his unseen performance.