On the Flesh Imperishable
David Bryson for Segestes
A Germanic noble who stands unwaveringly with Rome. Unlike others of his people, Segestes sees not betrayal but destiny in the empire’s rise, an opportunity for order, power, and survival under Roman might.
In performance, Segestes speaks broken, halting English when addressing Romans, a reflection of his limited Latin, while in his own tongue, Among fellow Germans, his voice is rich and authoritative.
- warrior
- male adult
- german
- Rough
- strong
SEGESTES (urgent, calling out) Gubernator Varus! Gubernator Varus! Gubernator Varus! Stop. We must speak. Now. It is— danger. Große Gefahr. You ride into trap.
SEGESTES (rising slowly, voice measured but firm, loud for all to hear) Your words are fire, Hermann… but fire burns not only the enemy. The Romans bring more than chains — they bring law, order, roads, coin. They have made the rivers safe for trade, and the markets full. Our people no longer starve through the winter, as they once did. To turn against them is to turn against the peace we have won.
