Noor Theatre is casting four singing roles for a new play with songs called “Dead Are My People.” The show is being produced at New York Theatre Workshop’s Next Door. The play is written by Ismail Khalidi (“Tennis in Nablus”), with original compositions by Hadi Eldebek (Yo-Yo Ma’s Silk Road Ensemble) and direction by Leah Gardiner (“The Loneliness of the Long Distance Runner”).
The title of the play comes from a poem by Khalil Gibran, but the story is set during World War I. A young Syrian man flees the war, traveling to America where he attempts to locate his uncle. His search eventually leads him to the Jim Crow South.
Two roles are already cast; the production is seeking four additional Equity performers for the remaining roles, although actors may also serve as replacements. All open roles are for male talent, including Nicola, an Arab man in his late 20s or early 30s who possess a certain innocence in his search for his family. Another open role is for Ellis, an Arab man in his 40s who is well on his path to assimilation after living in America for 20 years. Both roles are open to actors of any ethnicity, aged 18 and older.
Another two roles are open for Caucasian male actors, aged 18 and older. Perkins is a sheriff in his late 40s, and is a law-abiding, God-fearing, well-mannered citizen. The last open role is for Aldridge, a man in his 50s. He is a town official, a stone mason, and a Klansman who is very protective of his hard-earned status in the social order.
An Equity Principal Audition is taking place on Sept. 5. Rehearsals begin Oct. 9. The show runs from Nov. 4–11 in NYC. Performers cast will receive an Equity Mini Contract and will be paid $468 per week.
For more information and to apply, visit the casting notice here.
Check out Backstage’s New York City audition listings!