On the Comet

Captain Hector Servadac is a French cartographer for the army who falls into the sea while mapping the coast and is saved by Angelica. He becomes a central figure, leading a chaotic defense with improvised weapons and navigating shifting loyalties between French, Spaniards, and Arabs. His romance with Angelica complicates his duties, and the story culminates with a dream-like reveal that the adventure was not real, prompting reflection on leadership and fate.

A young woman from Valencia who is on the run from Spanish captors. She is sheltered by shopkeepers in the comet-carried town and becomes a focal point of Hector’s efforts to protect her. Her escape and danger from her brothers drive key plot turns and romantically entwine with the captain’s choices.

Voice portrayal of Angelika in the production, representing the same character from a different performance track within the cast. Her role reinforces the romantic and protective dynamics that motivate Hector throughout the shifting events.

Colonel Picard is the French commander who orders the arrest of non-French people and directs military actions. He represents the rigid authority of the colonial regime and the complications that arise when practical decisions collide with evolving loyalties during the comet crisis.

The Arabian king who leads an uprising in the colony, presenting a complex alliance with French and Spaniards amid the catastrophic upheaval. His leadership and arming of his followers shape the shifting balance of power as the colony drifts through space.

A French corporal involved in the defense and skirmishes around the moved colony. His actions contribute to the improvisational warfare that defines the story’s battles and chaotic morale.

Another corporal who participates in the improvised conflicts that erupt as the comet carries the outpost through space. His role highlights the camaraderie and tensions among the ranks.

A Jewish potter named Silberman who embodies the everyday civilian presence within the military-aligned community. His character offers a human perspective on the upheaval and the humor found in adapting to new circumstances.

Captain Lacoste is another French officer figure, involved in coordinating the defense and navigating the novel challenges of a moving colony and dwindling resources. His leadership contrasts with the more improvisational approaches of other characters.

A member of the artillery unit, Ali’s role highlights the shift from conventional weaponry to improvised warfare with pots and other makeshift tools as the colony tries to defend itself.

The Spanish consul represents another thread in the colonial web, dealing with diplomatic pressures and the fate of Angelika and others who are caught between the warring factions.