AUDITIONS

CHIMERICA

by Lucy Kirkwood

 

Inspired by one of the 20th century’s most powerful and iconic images, this political thriller tracks two decades of China-America relations through the parallel and intersecting stories of a photojournalist and a dissident.

In 1989, as tanks rolled through Tiananmen Square, a lone man, holding plastic shopping bags, stood in their path, and entered history.

Who was he, what was the story behind his protest, and what became of him?

Acclaimed English playwright Lucy Kirkwood takes these questions as her starting point to engage in a sweeping saga across countries and cultures that encompasses geopolitical intrigue, whip-smart comedy, and intimate human drama.

Still searingly relevant today, this is political theatre at its brilliant best.

Winner: 2014 Olivier Award for Best New Play

A gloriously rich, mind-expanding play” The Guardian

CREATIVE TEAM
Director Louise Fischer

Set Designer Tom Bannerman
Lighting Designer Michael Schell

PERFORMANCE DATES
Tue 9 Aug to Sat 10 Sep 2022

REHEARSALS
Rehearsals will commence early June with a combination of weekend days, week evenings and possibly weekdays. Exact times and dates tbc, subject to cast availability.

AUDITIONS
It is essential that you read the script BEFORE applying. There is a perusal copy of the script available for viewing
here.

The initial round of auditions will be done using self-tape. Call-back auditions will be held at the theatre in person after the first round of auditions is complete, exact dates tbc. If you are unable to submit a self-tape, please email the Chimerica team at chimerica2022@gmail.com to arrange an alternative means of audition. Please also contact the team if you have worked with Louise before as a self-tape may not be necessary. 

Your filmed audition should include: 
•    A self- introduction, including your name (max 30 secs)
•    A very brief introduction to your chosen audition piece
•    Your audition piece: 3 minute contemporary monologue

Once you have captured your audition, upload it as either a private and password-protected Vimeo or a YouTube video using the password ‘Chimerica22’ and email the link with the below information to chimerica2022@gmail.com.

In your email, please:
• include an up-to-date headshot and cv
• indicate which role/roles you are interested in
• indicate if you are currently a New Theatre member 

Self-tape submissions close Sun 1 May 2022 although earlier submissions are encouraged. 

You will only be contacted if we wish to see you for a call-back. If you are not successful in securing a call-back audition, no feedback will be given, but we greatly appreciate your time and thank you for your interest.

ROLES AVAILABLE
CHIMERICA is a large ensemble piece with a cast of between 12 and 16 playing multiple roles. Please refer to the script for particular role/s you wish to audition for.

We are actively seeking Chinese actors to play a number of key roles. 

We very much encourage and welcome submissions from people who identify as First Nations, PoC, CaLD, queer and/or gender diverse.

PLEASE NOTE
New Theatre is a volunteer-based organisation and there is no payment for this production.

ABOUT THE DIRECTOR
Louise has an MA in Theatre Studies from University of NSW. Directing credits for New Theatre include Glengarry Glen Ross, The Grapes of Wrath, August: Osage County, Australia Day, House of Games, Mother Clap’s Molly House, The Farnsworth Invention, The Crucible (which transferred to a sell-out season at the Seymour Centre), Cabaret, Brand Spanking New, Honeymoon Suite, Richard III, Dancing at Lughnasa, Lemon Delicious, The Caucasian Chalk Circle, Vernon God Little and Enron.

Other directing credits include The God Botherers (Darlinghurst Theatre), Stories From the 428 (Sidetrack Theatre), Macbeth.com (Lighthouse Theatre), Project SciFi (PACT), Birthdays, Christmases & Other Family Disasters (Tunks Productions), Bedtime for Bastards (Crypt Theatre), Roadkill (Short+Sweet), The Curious Pain of Louis XIV (Seymour Centre) and Hamlet (Harlos Productions).

Louise is Artistic Director of New Theatre.