18/04/2026
Hi everyone…in preparation for the reading of 'BERNADETTE: Never give up, never give in', here are some things worth keeping in mind.
This is a piece of EPIC THEATRE which, like all of Nuworks previous major productions attempts to incorporate many if not all of the ideas promulgated by Bertolt Brecht. WHAT does that mean?
In part:
The piece is didactic ( designed to ‘teach a lesson’ )
The acting should seek to ‘demonstrate’ roles…not ‘become’ roles. This is particularly relevant in the context of casting….I will NOT necessarily be casting with reference to age, gender or physicality but rather with an eye and an ear to who best DEMONSTRATES the role.
The dialogue is generally naturalistic ( actually a very large percentage is verbatim )
The mechanics and stagecraft of the production are decidedly non naturalisticj…..
Minimalist set, use of projections, signage, inclusion of songs ( which does NOT make the piece a musical.)
Deliberate use of alienation techniques…..theatrical devices including casting that remind the audience that they are in a theatre watching a play.
I always aim for theatricality,
Nuworks is noted for our strong visual, choreographic orientation.
Above all, we’re telling a story. We are story tellers and in this we seek to be as inventive, creative, bold as possible while serving the subject matter.
The text is words on a page to be explored and played with, altered, rearranged, reshaped as rehearsals progress.
OK!
STEP ONE:
Please read the ‘synopsis’ carefully. For any number of reasons, the thematic content may not be for you,
STEP TWO: Read the text carefully, a number of times. Please care about this, I very much do.
If you do not have access to the synopsis and/or text via our group chat, please contact me and I'll send it to you.
STEP THREE: You are welcome to read for any part at any time during the evening, even if someone else has read that section. Please DON’T read cold. Know what you are talking about and how what you are saying fits with the character…status and motivation….and the narrative in general. Remember you are not bound by age, gender or physicality.
This is in a sense is as close as I come to auditioning anyone.
I will ask you to communicate your intention to become an ensemble member after the reading and by E Mail within 2-3 days.
Then I’ll put out a cast list.
You then either accept or decline the offer.
Hope all this makes sense and I’m really looking forward to Wednesday night.
See you then
Best wishes
David
