Audition Notice: Death and the Maiden
We are pleased to share the audition notice for the first of our new Studio Night productions.
Death And The Maiden by Ariel Dorfman won the Olivier award for best new play in 1992 and is a fiercely intelligent, claustrophobic, and morally complex thriller.
The story
Set in an unspecified country that has recently transitioned from a dictatorship to a democratic government. The play depicts the conflict between a former political prisoner, her husband, and a doctor who may, or may not, have committed horrific crimes under the former regime. It questions how societies move forward after periods of intense collective trauma and raises serious moral questions around justice and revenge.
The action takes place in the beach-side home of Paulina and Gerardo. She never saw the face of her abusers, but throughout her captors taunted her by playing Schubert’s String Quartet No. 14, also known as Death and the Maiden. Years later her husband accepts a ride from a charming stranger and she believes that once again she can hear the voice of her abuser. Unconvinced by her husband’s pleas for a criminal trial, she takes matters into her own hands and seeks a confession by any means necessary.
Trigger Warning: The script deals with issues of authoritarianism, violence, revenge and sexual abuse. It builds unbearable tension throughout, but at its centre is full of compassion and hope.
Casting
| Paulina Salas (F) | A former political prisoner who was tortured and abused. Now married to Gerardo. |
| Gerardo Escobar (M) | A prominent lawyer for the investigation commission looking into the crimes of the previous government. |
| Roberto Miranda (M) | A doctor and good Samaritan, who may just have helped the wrong person. |
The three main parts are all deeply layered and nuanced, and could be played by actors of almost any age. Any questions, please feel free to get in touch with Kieran.
Auditions will include a mixture of group scenes from the play. No preparation required.
Director: Kieran Pearson (kieran_pearson@hotmail.co.uk)
Production Manager: Rachel Pearson
Readthrough: Friday 26 June: 7.45pm, WT foyer
Auditions: Friday 3 July: 7.45pm, WT foyer and Sunday 5 July: 2.30pm, WT Foyer
Rehearsals: TBC but likely to be Mondays, Wednesday and some Sundays.
Performances: 11 to 14 November
Please note, any non-members wishing to audition will need to become a member if they are cast, before they are able to take part in the show. You can find out more about membership here.