A Hard God

AUDITION: Tuesday May 15th at 7.30pm "A Hard God" by Peter Kenna directed by Pat Stroud Characters: - Dan Cassidy in his late 50's, is a gentle, courteous man with a strong religious upbringing and beliefs. - Martin Cassidy is the eldest of the brothers, an expansive man, a poet, blighted by a personal demon. - Paddy Cassidy a small, sharp man, always on the lookout for a fight. Argumentative and a coward. The Cassidy brothers all speak with light Irish accents, the rest of the cast have Australian voices: - Aggie Cassidy, Dan's wife and Joe's mother. Younger than Dan, inclined to be sharp-tempered and highly sceptical of other people's motives. She worships Dan and obeys him unquestioningly. - Monica Cassidy, Martin's wife, a rather abstracted woman except when talking about her faith. - Joe Cassidy, 16 year old, naive, intense and desperate to be liked. - Jack Shannon, 16 year old, good looking with a brooding nature and given to sudden outbursts or extrovert behaviour. The play takes place over several months in 1946. It is performed on two stages, the main area representing the Cassidy's living room, and the second area being used exclusively by the boys - and representing various outdoor locations. The play is an historical account of the author's youth. It documents, through its carefully drawn characters, the effects of alienation on the immigrant Cassidy brothers and the difficult life faced by working-class people after World War ll. It demonstrates the trials imposed by their 'otherworldliness,' and their struggle to survive in a harsh new land, and find comfort for themselves and their families. The play, which is written with honesty, compassion and great insight, also covers the terrors and alienation experienced by the next generation. Peter Kenna's characters all have the spark of real life. NOTE: This is a reprisal of the play from the 2006 season that had to be cancelled, so some roles have been precast. For further information please contact the director. IMPORTANT NOTICE FROM THE DIRECTOR: "The roles of the younger Cassidy brother PADDY is still un-cast - he is late 40's, wiry, crafty, a very interesting and complex character who is greatly changed during the action of the play. A plausible Irish accent is required for this part." "Both of the BOYS remain un-cast. This requires two young men who are, or who could play, 16 year olds. Complex roles that make demands of the performers and require an open-minded approach and the ability to explore their characters and their journey. An intelligent approach to the roles will be needed. Previous performance experience a definite advantage. This is a great opportunity for any young men interested in theatrical performance." Rehearsals will be at the Princess May Ed Centre, and days will be according to cast availability on two week-nights and Sunday afternoons. Season dates are July 19th, 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 28th, with performances at 8pm on week-nights, and a 2pm matinee on Sunday 22nd. Those interested in any of the above roles, and available for rehearsal and performance dates should contact director Pat Stroud as soon as possible - pastroud@iinet.net.au, tel 0408 908 928.