AUDITIONS

"DANCING AT LUGHNASA"

by Brian Friel

The Autumn production of the Funtington Players

West Ashling Village Hall Tuesday 1st June at 7.30p.m.

This audition is open to members of the public

Hailed by many as a masterpiece, this extraordinary play is a touching tale of family relationships set against the backdrop of 1936 rural Ireland.

It is harvest time in County Donegal and the Festival of Lughnasa - celebrating the pagan god of the harvest with drunken revelery and dancing - approaches. In a small cottage outside the village of Ballybeg the five Mundy sisters: Kate, Maggie, Agnes, Rose, Christina, and her son, eke out a hand to mouth existence.

Their everyday lives are interrupted when their much loved brother Jack returns from missionary work in Africa after an absence of 25 years, and the sisters acquire a wireless which transforms their whole world.

But these are just the precursors to the sweeping changes that threaten to unravel the family and their lives forever.


Cast:

Kate  The eldest, is a schoolteacher. A devout Catholic, she is horrified at the pagan practices at Lughnasa and Jack's loss of faith.

Maggie  The homemaker. The 'joker' of the family, defusing tensions as they arise. However, Maggie has dreams of her own.

Christina  Has a son, Michael, by Gerry Evans. Chris fluctuates between deep depression when Gerry leaves and optimism that his next visit will be a permanent stay.

Rose  Seems very young for her years due to a developmental disability. This makes her very vulnerable. Close to her sister Agnes.

Agnes  Very quiet and contemplative. Would appear to be infatuated with Gerry.

Gerry Evans  The father of Michael. Very charming but has drifted in and out of Chris' life for some years. Works as a gramophone salesman.

Father Jack  Jack appears to have lost his Catholic faith, which may be why he has been sent back to England. He is having difficulty with his memory, and appears very confused.

Michael  As a child Michael does not appear on the stage, his lines are spoken by the narrator, the adult Michael.


If you would like a copy of the script before the auditions, please contact the director, Janet Smith.
Also, if you are unable to come on the 1st June,and would like to be considered for a part, let her know. 
Ring 02392-413664 or email janetandmike@jandmsmith.plus.com