SCHINDLER Are you him?
SCHINDLER Are you Itzhak Stern or not?
STERN I am.
SCHINDLER There's a company you did the books for on Lipowa Street, made what, pots and pans?
Schindler's List — First Meeting — Schindler's List
Oskar Schindler, a charismatic German businessman, meets Itzhak Stern, a Jewish accountant, for the first time. Schindler attempts to recruit Stern to help him acquire and run a factory, while Stern remains wary and skeptical of Schindler's intentions amidst the growing Nazi threat.
Format: Duologue · Genre: Drama · Source: Schindler's List · Author: Steven Zaillian · Characters: SCHINDLER, STERN
About This Scene
This intense duologue from "Schindler's List" captures the pivotal first encounter between Oskar Schindler and Itzhak Stern. The scene expertly establishes a dynamic of mistrust and underlying tension, as Schindler, a charismatic German businessman, attempts to recruit Stern, a Jewish accountant, for a new venture. Set against the ominous backdrop of the rising Nazi regime, their negotiation is fraught with unspoken anxieties and a palpable power imbalance, making it a powerful exploration of human interaction under extreme pressure. Actors will find rich opportunities to portray complex emotions and subtext within this carefully crafted exchange.
Character Analysis
Schindler is presented as a confident and persuasive individual, comfortable in taking charge and dismissing societal norms or potential dangers. He possesses a certain charm and a strategic mind, focusing on the practicalities of business while seemingly indifferent to Stern's identity. Stern, on the other hand, embodies caution and skepticism, deeply aware of the precariousness of his situation and the potential threats posed by any interaction, especially with a German businessman during this period. His guarded responses and internal struggle are key to understanding his character and the historical context.
Why This Works for Auditions
This duologue is an exceptional choice for auditions because it showcases a wide range of acting skills within a short, focused piece. The contrast between Schindler's assertive demeanor and Stern's apprehensive restraint provides excellent opportunities for both actors to demonstrate nuanced character work and strong scene partnership. Its dramatic weight and clear emotional arc allow performers to display their ability to convey intensity, subtext, and the complexities of human interaction, which are highly valued in casting. The scene also highlights the ability to play against a scene partner effectively.
Best Suited For
This scene is ideally suited for actors with casting types such as Leading Man, Character Actor, Business Executive, Intense, and Sophisticated, falling within the 35-45 age range. Its dramatic nature makes it perfect for self-tapes, general-practice sessions, and particularly drama school auditions where a strong command of character, stakes, and period-appropriate performance is required. Actors comfortable with conveying significant emotional depth through subtle gestures and vocal choices will particularly shine here.
Performance Tips
When approaching this scene, focus on the subtext. For Schindler, explore the underlying ambition and perhaps a nascent, unacknowledged calculation beyond pure profit, even if that's what he presents. For Stern, every line should convey a struggle between his professional acumen and his profound fear and suspicion. Pay close attention to pacing; the silences and hesitations are just as important as the dialogue in building the scene's tension. Utilize the physicality implied in the script – Schindler's casual actions versus Stern's stillness – to heighten the power dynamics.