AUDITION NOTICE
New Zealand’s largest South-Asian theatre company PRAYAS looks forward to staging a love story and political satire, The Little Clay Cart (or Mrchchakatika) for Auckland audiences this October. The original play written in Sanskrit circa 5th Century CE, is more ancient than the equally famous Shakuntala.
Mrchchakatika remains one of India’s most enduring works, with a mastery of the craft that was far ahead of its time. It is also one of the most celebrated plays performed internationally.
SHOW DATES: 28th November – 8th December 2023
VENUE: TAPAC, Western Springs
Prayas aims to showcase to both – the South Asians diaspora and to local Kiwi audiences – the highly evolved and erudite style of ancient playwrights, while also offering an entertaining adaptation that resonates with the current challenges of our time, making it universal in its appeal.
A Sanskrit play credited to Shūdraka, Mrchchakatika – The Little Clay Cart belongs to the classical tradition of Indian theatre and performance, remains one of India’s most enduring works, with a mastery of the craft that was far ahead of its time.
Set in ancient Ujjain in 5th century BCE, this is a love story between Charudatta – a poor yet honourable brahmin and Vasantasena – a rich courtesan.
Filled with romance, comedy, humour, intrigue, and a political sub-plot detailing the overthrow of the city’s despotic ruler by a shepherd, the play is notable among other surviving Sanskrit dramas for its focus on a fictional scenario rather than on a classical tale or legend.
The characters are drawn from the mundane world. It is peopled with gamblers, courtesans, thieves, monks and so on. They all seem to be citizens of the world – timelessly modern and cosmopolitan.
Auckland-based Indian playwright Shekinah Jacob is currently re-inventing Shūdraka’s play for the Prayas audience!
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for performers (actors, dancers, musicians) of South Asian heritage to be part of the cast of The Little Clay Cart – this is a large cast ensemble show, with 15-20 performers.
OPEN GENDER & AGE
Audition Dates 22nd & 23rd July 2023
Call backs 19th August 2023
Rehearsals Weekends September – November 2023
plus one mid-week evening from October 2023
PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WORK IS UNPAID.
The registration of interest closes on FRIDAY 21st July 2023.
We will send through further details with regards to the show, audition slots, venue and along with some more information about what you will need to prepare for your audition.
Click on the link below to register your interest!