Auditions
Written by John Patrick
Directed by Jan Saussey
1:30pm Sunday 21th February 2010
12 Spring Street, Onehunga
Synopsis:
The setting is a remote mountain lodge where Dr Polyantha Vashti Cassandra (Cassie), a world famous anthropologist, has come to recover from a back injury. Confined to a wheelchair, Cassie is to be looked after by Grace Hollis, a fellow teacher and life-long friend, with Grace’s nephew, David, stopping by each week or so to deliver supplies and bring them news of the outside world. After David has departed, the two ladies are surprised by the sudden appearance of three teenage girls who claim to be students from a nearby college, lost on a hiking trip. Hospitable at first, Grace and Cassie soon sense their visitors are not what they seem to be, and when they come across a newspaper clipping which reports a Charles Manson-like ritual slaying in the neighbouring town, they are shocked into awareness that their guests are the killers, and the subjects of a state-wide search. When the girls realise their identities are known they take their hostesses prisoner and the long night of terror begins. Cassie and Grace use all their wits to stay alive and bring their tormentors to justice – a hope which seems to be perilously in vain until an unexpected turn of events in the final moments of the play.
Jan Saussey is hailed as an “actor’s director” – a title she has earned from 35 years working as a director and producer of numerous stage productions and on film sets as an acting coach. Renowned for outstanding quality productions, Jan competently directs any number of casts from 4 to over 60 actors. Being the Creative Director of AYA Drama School keeps her passion alive – to foster young, outstanding talent and provide opportunities for development in the performing arts.
Characters:
- Grace Hollis: Large role. Small elderly lady (70’s), stylish with distinction. Best friend of
- Dr Polyantha Vashti Cassandra (Cassie): Large role. A proud and courageous gentlewoman in her 70’s. Recuperating from a broken hip. An anthropologist who speaks fluent Latin.
- David Hollis: Medium role. Grace’s nephew, aged in his 30’s. A professor of Latin. Still possesses a boyish charm.
- Agnes: Large role. Aged 17-22 years. Confident and beautiful young “bad girl”. Able to swing from sweet and charming to “she-devil”. Tough leader of the three girls.
- Flo: Aged 17-22 years. Medium role. Outspoken and brash enough to raise eyebrows. Not the sharpest, but ultra cool.
- Bunny: Medium role. Aged 17-22 years. The quiet one. Easily lead, and more sensitive than the other two. Good timing, could be comedic with the right actor.
- Deputy Sheriff Taylor: Small role. Aged 30-50.
- Deputy Sheriff Wayne: Small role. Aged 30-50.
Rehearsals held Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays at Dolphin Theatre.
Season: Opens 17th April – 18th May 2010
For more details contact:
Director – Jan Saussey
PH: 625-4109
Email: Jan Saussey -
moth@dolphintheatre.org.nz