Audition Process | OFOTCS

This is meticulously explained in my Unit 12 blog post in Task 2. Here is the main explanation of my thoughts and intentions of the Audition Process of One Flew Over the Cuckoos Nest.

"Auditioning for a play is an experience that I don't take lightly, each time i go into that room i make sure to come out of it learning something new. My journey of auditioning for our end of year show: One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest was no different. Through meticulous research and personal reflection, I delved deep into McMurphy's psyche and the narrative of Ken Kesey's masterpiece. 

The role of McMurphy, in particular, resonated with me due to his complexity and defiance. Although the auditions were not for specific roles, my preparation was heavily influenced by my desire to understand and portray McMurphy. This character, with his blend of charm, rebelliousness, and underlying vulnerability, presented a challenging yet intriguing opportunity for me in my ongoing journey as an actor. 

This is precisely the reason why I chose my monologue: Someone Saw Me from A Bronx Tale, the monologue portrays a defiant teenager going against his headmaster in the terms of treating him like a human instead of a clog in a machine. I feel this is very reminiscent of the OFOTCCN story, since McMurphy is a defiant individual trying to show his fellow mates to not simply lie down and take the authoritarian treatment of Nurse Ratched. He is a larger-than-life character whose presence disrupts the sterile environment of the psychiatric hospital. To portray McMurphy authentically, it was crucial to understand his background, motivations, and personality traits:

McMurphy is a convict who feigns insanity to escape the drudgery of a prison farm, hoping for an easier time in a mental institution. His criminal record includes assault and statutory rape, painting him as a man who operates outside societal norms. Some sources even say that he is a Korean War Veteran who was dishonourably discharged for insubordination. This is the crime that lands him in the work farm, with a six month sentence, eventually leading him to spend that time in the mental institution, and beginning the story. McMurphy's charm and charisma are his defining traits. He is a natural leader who rallies the other patients against Nurse Ratched's tyranny. However, beneath his brash exterior lies a complex individual who values freedom and individuality above all else. Delving deep, at the start of the story his primary motivation is self-preservation, but he gradually becomes invested in the well-being of his fellow patients the longer he spends there. His initial acts of rebellion are driven by a desire for personal gain, but they evolve into genuine attempts to restore dignity and autonomy to the oppressed inmates."

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Jt4yYNr7SWMEfjUFbPV4lotz5TBqBVpX/view?usp=sharing