02/27/2021
Hello Freeplay!
We are so excited to announce auditions and production staff position openings for our Spring '21 production of The Chairs by Eugene Ionesco, directed by Ruthi Wasserman:
An absurdist tragic farce about an old couple living in a post-apocalyptic world. To stay sane, they reminisce about their past life when the world was normal, and make-up fantastical stories that allow them to escape their tiresome existence. Throughout the play they prepare for and welcome “invisible” guests into their home, all of whom have come from far and wide to hear the Old Man’s great discovery that will save humanity. This play will take place during times of COVID and speak to the consequences of isolation and loneliness.
*This show contains themes of isolation, loneliness, depression and su***de.
Description of characters:
Old Man: The Old Man is stuck in a cycle of feeling bored, confused, regretful, and false happiness while boasting after his past life. He is bored of the routine that him and his wife have lived in for the past “75 years” and wallows in illusions that he and his wife conjure up to escape their dull reality. It is clear that the Old Man is the one who calls the shots in the relationship even though he is the weaker of the two. He is extremely sensitive and often regresses into infantile behavior, confused about his age and his whereabouts. He believes revealing his discovery to all of humanity will give his life meaning.
Old Woman: The Old Woman's main priority is the happiness of her husband, and she takes immense pride in his achievements. She feeds into his ego by complimenting him constantly and making him tell stories of his past that she knows will make him feel good. Simultaneously, she takes on the role of his mother when he regresses, nurturing him as if he were her own baby. She creates the "stability" in their relationship-- without her, they would not have been able to cope for so long. She tries to remain optimistic, but it’s clear that she too is tired of their dull life and has her own regrets of her past. Like her husband, she believes that his revelation will bring meaning into her life.
Orator: The Orator’s soul purpose is to deliver the Old Man’s discovery to the world. The fate of humanity lies in the Orator’s hands.
Description of production roles available:
Stage Manager: The Stage Manager will work closely with the director and be responsible for scheduling, keeping track of lines, blocking, cues, managing props. They will also be responsible for general Zoom support and they will be the one controlling the show (ie the host) over Zoom.
Scenographer: The scenographer will work closely with the director in solidifying the concept for the play and actualizing it with set design, props, and visual and auditory effects. They will be responsible for finding these pieces (online stores, nearby stores, possibly campus) so that they can be purchased or obtained by the stage manager after they’re approved. The scenographer may also configure a miniature environment (like a doll house) that will be used in the play.
How to get involved:
Anyone interested in auditioning must sign up for an audition slot for Sunday, March 7th or Monday, March 8th. Please email [email protected] for sign ups and materials.
Anyone interested in a production role should email Ruthi Wasserman, [email protected].
The commitment for rehearsals will be around 1-2hrs, twice a week. The rehearsals will be during the day/early evening, but the director will find a time that works for everyone.
We hope to see you get involved!!!
