Avarayr

The hero and protagonist; for American audiences, the George Washington of Armenia. Easily the most lines, so the most will be required for this audition.

• (Lazar) "[G]eneral of Armenia and lord of the Mamikoneans"

• (Lazar) "[E]xtremely well acquainted with doctrinal writings, having been taught and advised by his grandfather"

• (Lazar) "[D]id not put confidence in words, but rather, was concerned about his comrades, and wanted to display heroism"

Personality: Weighed down by the burdens of leadership and heritage, but nonetheless tries to do what is right by God.

HMAYEAK: Brother! What matters of state have you brought to our doorstep?

VARDAN: Not matters of state, but of the soul.

HMAYEAK: Vahan, go tend to your brothers and mother. This seems to be a personal affair.

VARDAN: He should stay. While it pains me, the whole family should know.

VARDAN: If I do away with the armies that plague your lands, will you aid us against those that plague ours?

DAVIT: God save me from Armenian ambition.

VARDAN: God will save your soul! I am not ambitious for the empty fame of glorious deeds, or for wealth and possessions. I fight that the holy gospel may be manifest to men.

ZARMANDUXT: Take this message.

DAVIT: (merry) Join us; read it while we march!

ZARMANDUXT: Please, I cannot read it aloud.

A concerned VARDAN opens the letter and reads it silently. Frustrated, he refolds and stows it. He signals his army to march and restarts his walking pace. ZARMANDUXT follows.

VARDAN: (to ZARMANDUXT) You were wise not to announce this to the common soldier.
ZARMANDUXT: I’m sorry, milord.

Historical Precedent:

• (Elishe) "[B]rother of the Armenian general Vartan"

• Not described in detail, but instigator and key figure. Hybrid mix of both of Vardan's brothers: Hmayeak and Hamazasp

Personality: Genuinely concerned for his family first and his country second. Loving

father, husband, brother.

KID VAHAN: Did Hayk accept the offer?

HMAYEAK: He called him a dog from a pack of dogs. He shot his arrow, which pierced straight through the king’s armor.

HMAYEAK lovingly prods KID VAHAN’s heart with his finger for dramatic effect.

VARDAN: Brother, are you with me?
HMAYEAK: I promised to walk beside you until you find peace. And so I shall.
VARDAN: Praise God. I accept.

ANATOLIUS: My Armenian friend! Come in, and satisfy yourself after so arduous a journey.

HMAYEAK: A very gracious offer, but I bring an urgent news for your emperor.

ANATOLIUS: (amused) The emperor! What seems to be the matter?

HMAYEAK: A matter of Persians.

THIS ROLE HAS A KID VERSION AND A TEENAGE/YOUNG ADULT VERSION. If you are confident in one but not the other, feel free to apply for only one version.

• (Lazar) "The senior son of the blessed Hmayeak, whose name was Vahan, was especially attentive to accomplishing such good things, and enthusiastically encouraged it. He was an intelligent man, benevolent, and of sound judgement. Whatever job he undertook, the Lord aided him and strengthened his hand."

Personality: Thanks in part to excellent parental upbringing, inquisitive and always seeking to do right: by word, thought, or deed.

KID VAHAN: Father, before you leave.

HMAYEAK: Yes, Vahan?

KID VAHAN: Today I gathered with the noble children as you instructed.

HMAYEAK: And what did you learn?

KID VAHAN: ...Will there be war between the Romans and the Persians?

VARDAN announces his presence from a distance as he ascends up to the mansion.

VARDAN: (loud) Hmayeak!

VAHAN: Uncle Vardan is here. Family business?

HMAYEAK: (quiet) He was recently summoned to Persia, so perhaps something broader. Follow me; diplomacy and politics will be as much your burden tomorrow as it is mine today.

The fortress’s gates lie open; it hasn’t been used in some time. It is, however, occupied, as VAHAN and JUIK run out to meet them.

DAVIT: This stronghold will suffice. I’ll assemble a garrison from the survivors.

NERSHAPUH: Very well.

VAHAN: This is the army in full, then? And you lead it?

NERSHAPUH: I suppose so.

Historical Precedent:

• (Lazar) "Armenia's marzpan."

• (Lazar) "[P]rince of Siwnik'"

• (Elishe) "[K]new so well how to prevail over the mind of the Mogbed, that the latter left to him the arrangement of all circumstances."

Personality: A busybody, enveloped by his administrative role save for an ambitious,

pinpoint focus on the outcome.

VASAK: All things considered, it’s a beautiful country.

GIWT: I prefer the mountains of our homeland. They feel safer.

NERSHAPUH: Concurred. The sooner we can leave this place, the better.

VASAK: Haven’t we proven that we’re loyal? Our king certainly thinks so.

MIHRNERSEH: This should be naught but a formality, then.

VASAK: These are very large, very risky bargaining chips you take.

MIHRNERSEH: To such a request, the response is, “It’s an honor.”

VASAK: (bows) It’s a great honor, Minister.

VASAK: Croesus, yes. Seat yourself. I’m told you’ve never fought for Armenia before.

CROESUS: If it’s a matter of loyalty, strategos, I assure you: While your money flows, you need not concern yourself over how vigorously my men will fight.

VASAK: I’m certain, but I have different concerns at hand. I need unbiased minds to sort them. Please, sit.

Historical Precedent:

• Not described in detail, but frequently central to major events.

• Lord of the Arcruni, wrote a letter to Rome, and commanded a portion of the Armenian military.

Personality: Usually right but often sounds wrong, thanks to a brash attitude. Fiercely loyal, but loves confrontation.

VASAK: All things considered, it’s a beautiful country.

GIWT: I prefer the mountains of our homeland. They feel safer.

NERSHAPUH: Concurred. The sooner we can leave this place, the better.

YAZDEGERD: I did not expect your presence.

NERSHAPUH: Neither did I, but I couldn’t abide a letter of such nature.

YAZDEGERD: (dismissive) Very well.

NERSHAPUH: You know where I stand, brothers. I am not afraid of insulting a Persian monarch.

GIWT: Or sacrificing the Armenian faithful, it seems.

VASAK: Including my sons.

Historical Precedent:

• (Lazar) "The words which flowed like sweet honey from the mouth of this just man brought delight to the listeners. A luminous clarity revealed itself in him by heavenly influence, and he appeared to have the face of an angel."

• (Elishe) "[W]ished to be present for the spiritual encouragement of the valiant troops prepared for death."

Personality: Drawn to help those in his path, by his deeds but especially by his words.

Neither confrontational nor coward.

XOZRID: (loud, perhaps too loud) How dare you insult Father Levond this way!

LEVOND: (quiet) Please, not on my account.

ZARMANDUXT: Persia doesn’t dictate how or when we worship!

ARSHAWIR: Don’t bring your filthy fires to our lands!

VASAK: This is getting out of hand.

LEVOND: (to SEBUXT) Please, come talk at noon tomorrow.

SEBUXT: Let us through, or we will burn this church to ash!

The formed crowd quiets by this line.

LEVOND: You… Get off these grounds; you are no longer welcome here!

SEBUXT: (shouting) Do not lecture me, old man, on the merits of leadership, the necessities to run an empire! What could you possibly understand about the right to rule?

LEVOND: I know my sheep. And my sheep know me. Can the same be said of you?

Historical Precedent:

• (Lazar) "[A]lthough ordained as a presbyter, nonetheless had the fortune to be worthy of the [catholic] throne."

• (Elishe) "[W]ished to be present for the spiritual encouragement of the valiant troops prepared for death."

Personality: The curmudgeonly old guard who is dedicated to the church's preservation at all costs.

LEVOND: (sympathetic) I hope you don’t find this too uncomfortable.

GIWT: No, I agree. This is necessary.

JOSEPH: I entrusted you to send our letter to the Persian king. Command of a force in the service of our Lord is a far graver matter.

VARDAN: I understand.

Historical Precedent:

• (Elishe) "When this was made known, there appeared throughout the land armed warriors with helmets on their heads and swords by their sides; and there were not alone valiant men, but also masculine women."

Personality: An otherwise ordinary farmer girl who can't resist the opportunity to

participate in something greater.

ZARMANDUXT: (impetuous) Sparapets! the enemy has crossed into our borders!

No general wants to handle this, but duty calls.

VARDAN: (scoffing) How many?

ZARMANDUXT: It’s large. Hundreds of thousands, we reckon. I believe I saw elephants amid their ranks!

The three look at each other.

VARDAN: We cannot face them head on; we don’t have the numbers.

ZARMANDUXT: Take this message.

DAVIT: (merry) Join us; read it while we march!

ZARMANDUXT: Please, I cannot read it aloud.

A concerned VARDAN opens the letter and reads it silently. Frustrated, he refolds and stows it. He signals his army to march and restarts his walking pace. ZARMANDUXT follows.

VARDAN: (to ZARMANDUXT) You were wise not to announce this to the common soldier.
ZARMANDUXT: I’m sorry, milord.

Historical Precedent:

• Listed as accompanying nobility in both texts; Lord of the Vahewuni

Personality: Treads the fine line between caution and cowardice. Will actively avoid conflict either way.

VASAK: All things considered, it’s a beautiful country.

GIWT: I prefer the mountains of our homeland. They feel safer.

NERSHAPUH: Concurred. The sooner we can leave this place, the better.

NERSHAPUH: You know where I stand, brothers. I am not afraid of insulting a Persian monarch.

GIWT: Or sacrificing the Armenian faithful, it seems.

VASAK: Including my sons.

Historical Precedent:

• (Lazar) "[S]on-in-law of the blessed Vardan"

Personality: Gruff, with determination to follow his task to completion and the momentum of a boulder.

LEVOND: Fellow neighbors, why are you come?

FEM: We heard the Persians tried to burn down this church!

ARSHAWIR: We heard that the princes renounced their faith in God!

MAN: Sacrilege!

FEM: Have you forgotten the pious benedictions?

VARDAN: You have shed Christian blood!

ARSHAWIR: Christian? That man had no faith!

Historical Precedent: N/A

Personality: A fiercely loyal elder. As Levond watches his flock, so he watches Levond. No nonsense, so Levond can focus on higher callings.

Another Armenian individual, XOZRID, cracks the door open and joins LEVOND outside.

XOZRID: What is the meaning of this, Father?

LEVOND: (diffusing) It need not concern you; return to worship.

SEBUXT: (loud, perhaps too loud) Are you mad? I have armed men at my beck and call!

XOZRID: (loud, perhaps too loud) How dare you insult the Father this way!

LEVOND: (quiet) Please, not on my account.

Historical Precedent:

• (Elishe) "Now the excellent Emperor Theodosius (the younger), being a great lover of peace in Christ, would not give battle to the enemy, but sent his general for the East, Anatolius by name, to meet him with much treasure."

Personality: Though technically younger than most of the cast, acts the most senile, and

aloof of the collapsing world around him.

HMAYEAK: (elated) Blessings upon you, sir! But will that be enough to persuade the Senate?

ANATOLIUS instinctively shakes his head in the background. Neither HMAYEAK nor THEODOSIUS notice.

THEODOSIUS: I am the emperor, my boy; gravitas alone should convince them!

Historical Precedent:

• (Elishe) "Now the excellent Emperor Theodosius (the younger), being a great lover of peace in Christ, would not give battle to the enemy, but sent his general for the East, Anatolius by name, to meet him with much treasure."

• (Elishe) "By the counsels of two evil-minded men, his servants,—the patrician Anatolius and the Syrian Elpharios (both were worthless, evil, and ungodly men),—by the advice of such persons the monarch suffered himself to be guided,"

Personality: A man who's forgotten his youthful spirit and deplores his younger days.

Now, he focuses on prestige and position.

MUSHKAN: (playful) Is “subsidies” what you call “tribute” in the West?

ANATOLIUS flashes a short sword at MUSHKAN. SEBUXT draws

his own in retaliation.

ANATOLIUS: I maintain my gladius, and I still know the essence of combat, General.

MUSHKAN lowers SEBUXT’s sword as he addresses ANATOLIUS.

MUSHKAN: (smiling) Would that you challenged me in your prime. I hear you were a

finer commander then. It would have been a better fight.

MUSHKAN: (placating) Sebuxt, please. Anatolius, I will not speak for the king of kings; I merely fulfill my duty as his loyal servant. We fight the same enemy, and so I can only wish you good fortunes, from general to general. Does that suffice?

ANATOLIUS: I suppose it must. I take my leave.

ANATOLIUS: Shall I pen the letter, sire?

THEODOSIUS: I think I can-

ANATOLIUS: It would be my honor to write the letter for you, my emperor.

The interruption startles THEODOSIUS. He pauses, then nods in concurrence with ANATOLIUS as he returns to his scroll.

Historical Precedent:

• Succeeded Theodosius, as recorded in both Armenian sources plus Roman sources.

Personality: A brilliant tactician both on the battlefield and off. Calm and collected but blunt when necessary.

ANATOLIUS and HMAYEAK enter the room, and the three already situated turn to face the newcomers. PULCHERIA maintains a diplomatic posture. FLORENTIUS has a passing interest, while MARCIAN…

MARCIAN: Anatolius, this was to be a private meeting.

ANATOLIUS: I assure you, he can keep a secret. Comrades, this is Hmayeak Mamikonean, arrived from Armenia to deliver news to the emperor.

FLORENTIUS: (casual) What do you bear for Theodosius?

HMAYEAK: (hesitant) It’s no secret, but I’d rather he be the first to-

MARCIAN: If it’s for the emperor, we may hear it. Please.

Historical Precedent:

• Not mentioned in either script, but a key historical figure during this period of the Roman Empire

Personality: Her uncanny powers of gentle charisma could break empires, but her

Christian faith guides her towards stability.

ANATOLIUS: Hmayeak, might I present Marcian, a faithful servant of Rome’s

military; Pulcheria, elder sister to the emperor, and Florentius, a prominent member of our Senate.

PULCHERIA: An Armenian. Exotic! You are a fellow Christian, I presume?

HMAYEAK: (proud) Most certainly!

PULCHERIA raises her hand, and the room practically freezes. ANATOLIUS looks to her, and PULCHERIA crosses to meet HMAYEAK.

PULCHERIA: Anatolius, I will handle this.

PULCHERIA takes HMAYEAK’s hand and quietly leads him out the door. The ensemble present watch in awe as the powder keg is so deftly defused.

Historical Precedent:

• (Elishe) "Yasgerd belonged to the accomplices of Satan; he sent forth his accumulated venom, and offered it as a useful and deceptive remedy."

Personality: Described by the sources as hot tempered, but more reflective in the script.

His vision for Persia will suffer no fools.

MIHRNERSEH: Mihrnerseh, o king of kings. You called for me.

YAZDEGERD: Yes, indeed. I am greatly troubled, and I desire your advice.

MIHRNERSEH: If your concern is the heretic Garegin, you needn’t worry about him. We’ve dealt with him swiftly.

YAZDEGERD: My concern is not with him. Not just him, anyways.

YAZDEGERD: How do you regard me?

VASAK: Have we not made our perception of you clear?

YAZDEGERD: Loyal subjects would not have challenged the king’s will. How do you regard me?

GIWT: You are king over all Persia. Our king. You have authority over us, to kill us or spare us.

Historical Precedent:

• (Elishe) "[O]ver all the officers of the army he appointed besides him one of the nobles, by name Mushgan Niisalavurd."

• (Elishe) "He could not banish the thought that the affair had not fallen out as he had anticipated."

Personality: Battle has given him unmatched experience but made him pensive. Slow to speak, but quick to act.

ANATOLIUS: I salute you, Persian, and deliver your subjects into your hands. With proper subsidies reinstated, is our business concluded?

MUSHKAN: Is “subsidies” what you call “tribute” in the West?

ANATOLIUS flashes a short sword at MUSHKAN. SEBUXT draws his own in retaliation.

ANATOLIUS: (unamused) I maintain my gladius, and I still know the essence of combat, General.

LEVOND: General, if allowed, I wish to join my fellow Christians with Vardan.

XOZRID: I wish to accompany Father Levond.

MUSHKAN: Very well. You will not be harassed as you choose your fate.

MUSHKAN: Tell me, have you ever participated in a siege?

SEBUKT: I’ve never had the privilege.

MUSHKAN: Of course you haven’t. Allow me to tell you about the Siege of Amida. Seat yourself, please.

Historical Precedent:

• Mentioned twice under Lazar and once under Elishe, in all times regarding the command of an army used in the script.

Personality: The upstart firebrand in Persian officer ranks. Looks up to his mentor Mushkan but more-so the "all-wise" Yazdegerd.

ANATOLIUS: Perhaps. I’ve no further reason to stay. No harm will befall my brothers and sisters when they return?

SEBUXT: Know your people, Roman!

MUSHKAN: (placating) Sebuxt, please. Anatolius, I will not speak for the king of kings; I merely fulfill my duty as his loyal servant. We fight the same enemy, and so I can only wish you good fortunes, from general to general. Does that suffice?

ANATOLIUS: I suppose it must. I take my leave.

MUSHKAN: An army ridden with fatigue and nothing to show for it? I’d say old Attila got the better of us. Be cautious around his fangs.

SEBUXT: Have faith in our leader. He is wise and powerful!
Spurred by a desire to defend his liege’s honor, SEBUXT pushes through the crowd to approach YAZDEGERD. He bows humbly before addressing YAZDEGERD, who acknowledges SEBUXT’s presence.
YAZDEGERD: Nixorakan Sebuxt, everyone. A promising officer amid our ranks!

ARSHAWIR: Don’t bring your filthy fires to our lands!

VASAK: This is getting out of hand.

LEVOND: (to SEBUXT) Please, come talk at noon tomorrow.

SEBUXT: Let us through, or we will burn this church to ash!

The formed crowd quiets by this line.

LEVOND: (angry) You… Get off these grounds; you are no longer welcome here!

Historical Precedent:

• (Elishe) "And there, in the secure hollow, lay the old poisonous serpent, hiding itself from the brave by all artfulness, and terrifying the distant by its fearful shrieks, and gently alluring the near with its sporting train. This was the prince and vizier over all Persia, whose name was Mihrnerseh, against whom none dared to make any attempt: not alone the great and the little, but even the king himself, whose agent he was in all evil deeds, obeyed his commands."

Personality: A capable administrator. Calm in demeanor but no less scathing in his words or effective by his deeds.

MIHRNERSEH: Mihrnerseh, o king of kings. You called for me.
YAZDEGERD: Yes, indeed. I am greatly troubled, and I desire your advice.

MIHRNERSEH: If your concern is the heretic Garegin, you needn’t worry about him. We’ve dealt with him swiftly.

YAZDEGERD: My concern is not with him. Not just him, anyways.

VASAK: Haven’t we proven that we’re loyal? Our king certainly thinks so.

MIHRNERSEH: This should be naught but a formality, then.

VASAK: (swallows) These are very large, very risky bargaining chips you take.

MIHRNERSEH: To such a request, the response is, “It’s an honor.”

VASAK: (bows) It’s a great honor, Minister.

Needs no introduction. Leader of the Huns.

ATTILA: Do you know what they call me in Rome?

VARDAN: They call you the Scourge of God.

ATTILA: And how shall the Scourge of God come to the rescue of these poor, persecuted Christians?

Represents the mercenaries present during the conflict.

VASAK: Croesus, yes. Seat yourself. I’m told you’ve never fought for Armenia before.

CROESUS: If it’s a matter of loyalty, strategos, I assure you: While your money flows, you need not concern yourself over how vigorously my men will fight.

VASAK: I’m certain, but I have different concerns at hand. I need unbiased minds to sort them. Please, sit.

Represents the Armenian allies from the Caucasus.

VARDAN: If I do away with the armies that plague your lands, will you aid us against those that plague ours?

DAVIT: God save me from Armenian ambition.

VARDAN: God will save your soul! I am not ambitious for the empty fame of glorious deeds, or for wealth and possessions. I fight that the holy gospel may be manifest to men.

The fortress’s gates lie open; it hasn’t been used in some time. It is, however, occupied, as VAHAN and JUIK run out to meet them.

DAVIT: This stronghold will suffice. I’ll assemble a garrison from the survivors.

NERSHAPU: Very well.

VAHAN: This is the army in full, then? And you lead it?

NERSHAPUH: I suppose so.

Unless and until I become a millionaire, I must resort to still images rather than full-fledged animation to convey my story. So be it. I shall provide rough sketches and/or descriptions of what I seek, and the panel artist shall draw it. If the panel artist has a better artistic vision than what I sketch, I'll certainly consider it.

Here is the prompt: Ten men stand at the entrance of the Great Hall, waiting to enter. Their manner indicates that they clearly aren’t used to being here. Their dress wear, though sufficiently fancy, is distinctly different from Persian garb. Commoners pass by the entrance and give the men dirty looks. Foremost among them (for script purposes) are Armenian princes VARDAN, VASAK, and NERSHAPUH. Also present are Armenian princes SCHMAWON and GIWT. VASAK looks around.