Vlad delivers a powerful rallying cry to his soldiers on the banks of the Danube as the Ottoman fleet approaches. He invokes the trauma of their past slavery and their duty to Christendom to inspire them to fight against overwhelming odds.
VLAD: Today the Sultan sent his best negotiator, my brother, to offer us another treaty. When I did not accept they tried to kill me. What does that tell you? I think these slags are afraid to fight us.
[The men roar and cheer]
Twelve years ago my father surrendered without a fight. Many of you thought that was a mistake, ten years of slavery confirmed it…
Format: Monologue · Genre: Historical Drama · Source: Vlad · Author: Charlie Hunnam · Characters: Vlad
This powerful monologue, "The Price of Freedom," showcases Vlad delivering an impassioned rallying cry to his soldiers. Set on the banks of the Danube as an overwhelming Ottoman fleet approaches, Vlad uses their shared history of slavery and duty to Christendom to ignite courage and defiance in his troops. It’s an ideal piece for an actor to demonstrate their ability to command a scene through vocal presence and emotional depth.
Vlad is presented here as a formidable leader, drawing on personal experience and a keen understanding of his men's trauma and convictions. He is inspiring, defiantly challenging seemingly insurmountable odds, and deeply patriotic, willing to stand against an empire for the freedom of his people. This monologue reveals a character driven by a potent mix of vengeance, duty, and unwavering belief in his cause.
This monologue is an excellent choice for auditions due to its clear emotional arc and opportunities for dynamic vocal and physical performance. It allows an actor to showcase their ability to portray authority, vulnerability (through referencing past slavery), and fervent conviction within a tight two-minute timeframe. The historical drama context also highlights an actor's versatility and gravitas.
"The Price of Freedom" is best suited for male actors in their 30s who are looking to be cast as leading men, authority figures, or action heroes. It’s particularly effective for those aiming for roles requiring intensity, a military bearing, or characters with strong leadership qualities. The inspiring and defiant tone makes it perfect for showcases and self-tapes where impactful presence is key.
When performing this monologue, focus on Vlad's journey from confronting fear to igniting unshakeable resolve. Emphasize the shifts in tone as he moves from challenging the enemy’s perceived fear to reminding his men of their endured slavery and then to their sacred duty. Vary your pace and volume to build the tension and conviction, ensuring that each beat of his argument lands with power and an unwavering belief in their cause.