Performances 15-20 February 2027 in the Auditorium

Set in Russia – 1920’s

All the characters are played heightened, suffering real dilemmas but with a good helping of comic energy. Accents and physicalisation are the key to releasing the essence of our characters and energizing the story. Default accent – northern – Yorkshire/Nottingham. The indefatigable human spirit, despite the poverty and all its deprivations, is at the heart of the play, and all played out at a farcical pace!

CHARACTERS

Semyon Semyonovich Podsekalnikov (m)

Semyon is the heart of our story. An unemployed man in his late 20’s/early 30’s who lives in an over populated urban slum. “His hair stands in tufts; he is flushed with stress. His eyes show great sensitivity” He feels worthless, a parasite, unloved but is capable of great feeling and love. He is carried along on the mad wave of misunderstanding.

Unemployed, self loathing, a pawn in a heartless system!

Audition pages 6-8 (+ Masha) “No wonder I can’t eat > Well, right at this moment”

Potentially read in various scenes below

Masha – Maria Lukianovna (f)

Semyon’s wife in her mid/late 20’s. Exhausted by work and life, she goes on an emotional roller coaster of a journey coping with Semyon’s suicidal on/off but there is real love in there! “Her young, open features would look fine if they were better fed and had more sleep” She is frustrated by Semyon, bullied by her mother and pinballed by the parade of suicide sponsors.

Exhausted, loyal, frustrated

Audition pages 6-8 (+ Semyon) “ No wonder I can’t eat> Well, right at this moment” + various scenes below

Serafima Ilyinichna (f)

Masha’s indomitable mother – late 40’s or in 50’s/60’s A survivor of the horrors of the revolution. Northern no-nonsense. Has her own take on religion and fawns over priests. Low opinion of her son in law! “A woman of no subtlety and indefatigable physical strength “

Blunt, a grafter, busybody

Audition pages 30-31 (+ Semyon) “Semyon, look > And when Blessed Alexander caught him he said..”

Alexander Petrovich Kalabushkin (m) 30-50?

A neighbour and a fairground stallholder. Recently widowed, his immoral sexual appetite is undiminished. An entrepreneurial opportunist. “He moves like a bear, with effortless strength, His humanity is often obscured by his bad behavior”

A rough diamond, a big man, an alpha male

Audition pages 19-21 (+Semyon) “Don’t do it. Stop! > Life is beautiful, comrade”

Margarita Ivanovna Peryesvetova (f) 40’s

“A dishevelled woman once beautiful, now sexy. One of life’s survivors” Married to an 83 year old, but having it off with Alexander and a number of others! Runs a successful coffee shop.

A tough cookie, opportunist, fun-loving.

Audition pages 63-64 (+Semyon) “Well if you’re that set on it > Midnight”

Yegor Timoveivich (m)

Nosy neighbour who lives for the party and is an officious busy body and peeping tom. Possibly a bit nerdy and pervy. A postman – proud recipient of the People’s Award for Speed and Diligence in Postal Deliveries.

Pervert, Party-loyal, boastful

Audition pages 65-66 (+ Semyon, Masha) “Semyon Semyonovich – Disillusionment”

Aristarkh Dominikovich Grand- Skubik (m or f) 40’s

A member of the intelligentsia. Highly educated and desperate to survive in the current climate. Upper class and anti government.

Persuasive, articulate, well- spoken, domineering and theatrical.

Audition pages 42-43 (+ Semyon) “I say, comrade>so keen was my desire to meet you”

Kleopatra Maximovna - Kiki (f) 20 -30’s

A French beauty (accent required) pursued by men– “a striking young woman dressed in bohemian style. She is flushed with anticipation.” Innocent?

Romantic, poetic and dramatically but comically tragic.

Audition- pages 50-51 (+Semyon) “ How can you be so tragic > …flow out of you”

Father Yelpidy (m) 50-60?

“A man steeped in bitterness and alcohol. His thoughts are usually as black as his robes” Irish and a fire and brimstone preacher with no time for atheists. Softens with Serafima’s attention.

Intolerant, bitter, corrupt zealot

Audition pages 58-59 (+Semyon, Masha) “ Have you listened > …save ten thousand others”

Viktor Viktorovich (m)

“an intense, defensive poet in his early 30’s” Sees himself as the poeple’s poet, writing about Russia. Gloomy, somewhat delusional – sees himself as Tolstoy needing to break free of party fanfaring. Wants to write Semyon’s obituary. Has a past with Kleopatra who sees through him

Egotistical, pompous, superior

Audition pages 105-106 (+Aristarkh, Kleopatra) “A young working man > You only knew him a day”

Stepan Vasilievich (m/f)

Oleg Leonidovich (m/f)

Any age

Undertakers. More efficient Chuckle brothers – playing it by the book. Small but vital parts Preferably played by the musicians.

Audition pages 96-97 (+ Semyon, Masha, Serafima) “ Is this where the dead man lives? > You sure?”

Two beggar musicians (Or more?) (m/f – any age)

An integral part of the play, probably on stage all the time. Their music opens the play, and they provide the music for transitions. Key members of the party scene and the funeral. Ideally mobile instruments – fiddle, accordion, clarinet?

Any questions contact Ian Smith (Director) here.

I would like to take a photo of each auditionee for reference purposes. This is optional.