Auditions for "The Seafarer" at Westport Community Theatre

Auditions for Conor McPherson's "The Seafarer," directed by Ruth Anne Baumgartner, will be held Monday, September 19 and Tuesday, September 20 at 7:00 PM at Westport Community Theatre, Westport Town Hall, 110 Myrtle.

Conor McPherson’s "The Seafarer" is a wonderful achievement of character, plot, and atmosphere, and is another expression of his continuing fascination with myths, legends, and the supernatural. Set on Christmas Eve in north Dublin, the play presents a boozy night and a visit from…no, not Santa, not by a long shot. Sharky Harkin, chronic knockabout, returns to visit his brother, who has recently gone blind. Some old friends come by, the drinking starts (or, more accurately, continues), and Sharky finds himself playing poker with the devil. The London Observer said of this play, “Succinct, startling and eerie – and the funniest McPherson play to date.” McPherson has been called the outstanding playwright of his generation – the Daily Mail says, “McPherson writes like a dream.” Director Ruth Anne Baumgartner says of The Seafarer, “It’s funny, it’s suspenseful, it’s moving, and at last it will fill you with a strange and triumphant joy.” Westport Community Theatre’s ETC staged a reading of this play in December of 2009 and received a standing ovation. Performance Dates are November 25 - December 11, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Sundays at 2:00 PM and Thursday, December 1 at 8:00 PM.   

Director’s Note: The director will be guided by these ages and descriptions but not bound by them. Casting decisions will be made for the sake of the ensemble. For ALL roles: a credible Irish (Dublin) accent is important, as is the ability to create and sustain the impression of functional inebriation. People interested in working backstage in design or execution are warmly invited to attend the auditions.

Auditions will consist of cold readings from the script; familiarity with the play is suggested.

Seeking:

James “Sharky” Harkin (50s): Erstwhile fisherman / van driver / chauffeur. “He is not a big man, but is wiry and strong. A very tough life is etched on his face. His eyes are quick and ready.”

Richard Harkin (late 50s/60s): His older brother, blind. “He is unshaven and looks terrible. He has recently gone blind.”

Ivan Curry (late 40s): Old friend of the Harkins, late 40s. “A big burly man with a red face and curly hair.” For most of the play, he can’t find his glasses, and his vision is poor, especially for reading.

Nicky Giblin (late 40s/50s): A friend of Richard’s. He “has a skinny, nervy appearance. He rarely seems in bad humour.”

Mr. Lockhart (50s): An acquaintance of Nicky’s. “He looks like a wealthy businessman and bon viveur.”

For further information please call the Westport Community Theatre at (203) 226-1983 or contact the director at ruthanneb@mindspring.com – for directions please visit www.westportcommunitytheatre.com