Reading and auditions for the Irish masterpiece “Dancing at Lughnasa” by Brian Friel

 

DANCING AT LUGHNASA

By Brian Friel

DIRECTOR: Tom O’Connor

PERFORMANCE DATES 3 – 13 DECEMBER

Rehearsals: Rehearsals will start mid-October.  

There will be a reading of the play on 30 June so that those interested can hear the text come off the page and then make a judgement about whether they wish to go forward to the audition on 6 July.

READING: Monday, 30 June at 7.30 p.m. at the theatre

AUDITION: Sunday 6 July at 2.00 p.m. at the theatre

THE PLAY

Set in the townland of Ballybeg in 1936 it explores the lives of the Mundy family – five spinster sisters, an older brother and priest Jack, recently returned from long service as a missionary in Africa, with ailments to body and mind. Also part of the family is seven year old Michael, the illegitimate “love child “ of the youngest sister Chrissie, whose lover and the father of Michael, Gerry Evans, a charmer, makes a brief return into the sisters’ lives.

The play explores the struggle of the family against both poverty, the social structure and expectations of the times and how it affects their relationships with each other and the wider community. They do this with humour, dance, arguments, tears and the unbridled displays of love and unity all brought to life by the wonderful mind and pen of one of Ireland’s greatest playwrights, Brian Friel.

It will be our pleasure to stage this classic of Irish theatre; a masterpiece, that will engage both the actors and the audience .

THE CHARACTERS

Jack – playing age 55-early 60s. Jack is the only son and the eldest of the Munday family and a source of pride for the family and indeed the village due to his entry into the Catholic priesthood and his service as a missionary in Uganda for 30/40 years. Despite some positive experiences, he returns much changed, physically and mentally, affecting his behaviour and creating concern for the family.

Kate – playing age mid 40s to early 50s Kate is the oldest of the Mundy sisters and as the only one with employment as a school teacher, the family breadwinner.  Somewhat controlling, but with wells of compassion underneath and reflection on the life that might have been.

Maggie – playing age 40s Maggie takes charge of all the family household chores. Strong, spirited and fiercely outspoken she is nostalgic for the young life-loving girl she has somewhat left behind.

Agnes ( Aggie ) – late 30s to mid 40s Aggie is the middle sister, close and protective to Rose. Outwardly reserved, Agnes has an inner passionate resolve, always ready to reveal a buried desire for past love.

Rose – late 30s to early 40s Rose has learning difficulties. Somewhat childlike, she is deeply loved by her protective family. Keen to be independent she is stubborn and forthright with the family in her desire to stand on her own two feet.

Chrissie – late 20s to early 30s ( a late surprise addition to the family ) Chrissie is the youngest of the sisters and the unmarried mother of seven year old Michael. Aware of her status in the community and in the eyes of the church, she is defiant. A romantic, she longs for her past love and dreams of a different life with him, which can never be realised.

Gerry – 30s Gerry is a travelling salesman, charming, a dreamer, disarming and romantic. The father of Michael who still has feelings for Chrissie but societal pressures and circumstances have derailed their chances. A decent dancer and lover of music.  Either English or Welsh.

Michael – early / mid 30s – features in the play as an unseen 7 year old child of Chrissie and Gerry.  The Michael in the production acts as the narrator to the play commenting on and revealing the outcomes as the play progresses. This is achieved sometimes with monologues concurrent with the action playing out. He interacts with his 7 year old self. A hugely fulfilling role for a skilled actor.

AGES ARE GUIDELINES

AUDITION GUIDELINES

For the audition you will be asked to perform different parts of the text with other auditionees. Text will be provided on the day and you will be given time to read through and prepare. 

Do try to arrive on time so that you don’t miss lots of useful information about the play and being part of the production. The reading and the audition will be held at the theatre. Please come to the Stage Door at the rear of the theatre in Spencer’s Yard. There is access through the gate to the left of The Fold on Spencer Street. The Fold is the large white building with pillars. Head in the direction of the red arrow across Spencer’s Yard to the Stage Door in the corner. The words ‘Stage Door’ are painted on the wall.

 

 

To register interest, or if you are interested but can’t make the dates,or for any more information, please get in touch with the director,Tom O’Connor at toconn@ymail.com or the Artistic  Director, Sue Moore at suemoore@lofttheatrecompany.com