[NEohioPAL] OPEN CALL, PAID GIG: THE WEB OF ANANSI

[Bailey Pfohl]

Near West Theatre & Twelve Literary Arts Present
The Web of Anansi
Open Call Auditions
September 1, 7 - 9pm
At Near West Theatre

Written by Nina Domingue
Directed by Nathan Henry
Seeking performers ages 18 and older of all races, ethnicities, gender identities, gender expressions, and physical abilities to perform in five (5) dynamic, exuberant, and whimsical characters in a new adaptation of the traditional folktale of Anansi the spider. Taking the role of “a trickster,” Anansi is one of the most important characters of West African, African American, and Caribbean folklore. Actors must be available for evening and weekend rehearsals, and must have flexibility for some daytime/morning performances at local schools. This is a paid opportunity.

A note from the playwright and director: All performers will work puppets in this production. Performers should have the ability to change characters with specificity, precision, and nuance. Throughout the play, performers will be scene partners with the puppet they are operating.

Due to CDC recommendations and for the safety of our production team and participants, we ask that all auditioners RSVP for this audition at the link provided. Actors should arrive 15 minutes prior to start time to submit an audition form. Everyone must be masked during auditions process and will be temperature checked at the door. Eating or drinking, beside water, is not prohibited in the theatre space. All necessary direction and materials are provided at the audition and no preparation is required. Auditioners are welcome to wear anything that is comfortable for movement. Please do not wear flip flops, sandals or move in the space with bare feet.

Rehearsals begin September 20 and run through October 15.

CHARACTERS

·         ANANSI (ah-NAHN-see), a Spider, Trickster, Keeper of the Stories

·         Anansi may be played by a performer of any gender and/or gender expression: they are a trickster, cunning and wise, and enjoy the idea that what people think of them is not at all what they are in totality. Anansi understands that they present as a riddle, inside of a puzzle, inside of an enigma.

·         The performer playing Anansi should be creative in their movement, and able to create the character in physically surprising ways. This includes performers who may use wheelchairs and/or crutches to move.

·         The performer in this role will not play other characters, but may be asked to operate a puppet.

·         OSELO (oh-SAY-lo): a male tiger cub, hot headed, quick to speak, slow to think, big emotions

·         OSELA (oh-SAY-la): a female tiger cub, the opposite in personality, a quick mind, wise beyond her years, genuinely curious, a joyful strategist

·         ESHU (AY-shoo): a male deity, guardian of choice, cunning, mischievous, some regard him as a trickster

·         OSUN (Oh-SHOON): A female deity, goddess of love, sweetness, and beauty. Wise, not to be mistaken for weak. Regal. Confident.

·         YEMAYA/OLOKUN (Yeh-my-YAH / OH-lo-KUHN): a non-binary mermaid deity, Yemaya rules the face of the ocean, Olokun rules the deep of the ocean. You do not have one without the other in the story presented here. Sometimes portrayed as husband and wife, other time portrayed as different aspects of the same being. This performer in this role will operate a double-sided puppet.

REGISTER HERE<https://www.nearwesttheatre.org/audition-registration>.

Bailey Pfohl (she/her)
Marketing Director
Near West Theatre
6702 Detroit Ave, Cleveland, OH 44102
www.nearwesttheatre.org<http://www.nearwesttheatre.org/>
Near West Theatre builds loving relationships and engages diverse people in strengthening their sense of identity, passion, and purpose, individually and in community, through accessible, affordable, and transformational theatre arts experiences.

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