Burnt Piano - Garrick WA

Synopsis Paris, 1989. Karen Idlewild must meet Sam Beckett - for the most unusual of reasons. On a visit to Paris, and against the instinctive warnings of her father, Karen takes her nine-year-old son, Jonah, on a bizarre quest to meet Beckett - no easy mission, as the man is vigorously protected by his wife, Suzanne, and others. Buried in the adventure is Karen's need to explain a mysterious, dreadful and tragic moment in her past and that of her young son.

There will be two auditions; one for the Adult roles and one for the role of Jonah.

KAREN;  The largest and most complex part.  She is in the middle 30’s to early 40’s age group.  She has had 2 children the younger and survivor of whom at the time of the play is about 12 years old to whom, in her own way she is devoted.  There has been a major tragedy in her life. The part calls for a wide range of emotion and technique.

PETE;  Karen’s father.  He is an author in his own right having written a book which, we hear, sold moderately well in Australia and, of all places, Finland.  He bears Karen’s disparaging criticism of his book with good-natured patience and sometimes fires off the occasional salvo in reply. Another character of depth.

SUZANNE; The French wife of Beckett.  She is a dignified, spirited lady with a presence that can be intimidating when required.  She speaks English with a French accent.  Ability to speak the occasional phrase in authentic French and to play the piano would be an advantage but not a necessity.

JONAH; The 12 year old son is a quiet, highly sensitive child who, having endured an awful experience when a small child is timid and vulnerable.  He is heavily dependant on his mother and bears a sense of guilt for the death of his older brother. So if anyone knows of a talented child actor I’d be glad to hear of him.  If all else fails consideration might be given to a talented girl of the right build who is happy to don boy’s clothing.

Auditions will be held in the Garrick Theatre foyer - 16 Meadow Street WA behind the Guildford Town Hall (approach from Helena Street) at 2:30pm

Adults - 14th November : Jonah 21st November