February 11, 2011

The Court Theatre seeks two mature Chinese New Zealand actors for Man in a Suitcase

Two actors are required for a production of a new play, commissioned by The Court Theatre. The play is Man in a Suitcase by Lynda Chanwai-Earle.  Though fictional, it is inspired by some real-life events, and deals with a number of issues and experiences relating to Chinese and other immigrants in New Zealand.  The production is to be held in The Forge at The Court Theatre in Christchurch:

Rehearsals from July 11, 2011.

Play opens Friday 5 August for a four week season, which forms part of the Christchurch Arts Festival, and closes 3 September.

There is a strong chance the production may immediately travel to Beijing for the Beijing Fringe Festival which opens mid September, and play for about a week there.

1) Male Chinese or part Chinese, 50s.  Plays Mr Tung, son of immigrants to New Zealand, speaks fluent English and (a small amount of) Cantonese.  Hardworking cardiologist, traditional father of a family, conservative and somewhat narrow-minded in his opinions, ultimately loyal and loving even to his wayward daughter. 

Also plays Mr Lin, father (in Nanjing) of a young student living in Christchurch.  Two phone conversations in this character. May be spoken partly in Mandarin.

2) Female Chinese or part Chinese, 50s.  Plays Mrs Tung, daughter of immigrants to New Zealand, speaks fluent English and (a small amount of) Cantonese.  Housewife and mother, does her best to make peace in the family.  Teaches ESOL. The Tung family is Christian.

Also plays Mrs Lin, mother (in Nanjing) of a young student living in Christchurch.  Two phone conversations in this character. May be spoken partly in Mandarin.

The production will be directed by Dr Joseph Graves, Director of the Peking University Institute of World Theatre and Film.  The project is supported generously by Creative New Zealand, and Joseph Graves has pledged the support of the above-mentioned Insitute for future tours or activity within China.

Contact Elizabeth O’Connor, literary@courttheatre.org.nz
Phone (03) 963 0891 or 027 370 2062