Audition Call
Catherine at Avignon by Paul Gilchrist
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT ARE NOW CLOSED.
The Play
Originally produced in 2009, Catherine at Avignon was extraordinarily well received.
And, now fourteen years later, we're thrilled to be finally bringing back this audience favourite!
Here's the blurb we used:
Strange Time. Strange Place. Strangely Familiar.
In a world of corruption, decadence and intrigue,
a lone woman confronts the most powerful institution of her times.
Bawdy and bloody,
exuberant and irreverent,
Catherine at Avignon is bold new writing from Paul Gilchrist.
Set in fourteenth century France,
and inspired by actual events,
it’s the story of an extraordinary personality.
Branded a no one by her society,
Catherine fearlessly took on kings and queens.
Avignon would be her greatest challenge.
And here's the amazing response we got:
“a triumph of narrative construction. Like Stoppard, Gilchrist is great with words, and amply demonstrates it in scene after scene of highly amusing and erudite verbal sparring….the audience is treated to a subtle, and subtly informed, inquiry into theatre itself – as art, as entertainment, as philosophical meditation… Catherine of Avignon is a significant achievement in writing, direction and staging, and Paul Gilchrist is obviously a playwright worth watching.”
Media Culture
“the script is the real star. Both poetic and whimsical, Gilchrist seamlessly weaves olde English and 21st century language to jolt us between yesterday and today at will. The problems and the turmoil of the 14th century are clearly still relevant to today’s crazy world.”
Alt Media
“Amidst the sin and sarcasm are startling moments of poetry… It’s a complex story, where lofty themes of spirituality, politics and sexuality are presented alongside vulgarity and swearing…. It’s not so much about piety and saints as it is about authority, celebrity and the way we interact with the spiritual. Sounds complicated, and it is, but what Catherine at Avignon does is akin to soaring”
The Brag
“Catherine at Avignon is a simple yet powerful story of doing what is right, regardless of what is easy or comfortable. It is a thought-provoking, uplifting performance that leaves the audience hopeful for a better world”
Aussie Theatre
Catherine at Avignon has been published by Australian Plays Transform.
The Cast
The play is a two-act, six hand ensemble piece.
We are seeking to cast:
3 female actors, playing age 20 - 45
3 male actors, playing age 30 - 65
We look to present a cast reflective of the diversity of this city.
The Team
The Writer/Director - Paul Gilchrist
Paul is one of the co-founders of subtlenuance.
He has been the writer/director of over a dozen plays, including:
Live a Little (KXT, 2021), Life is Impossible (Old 505, 2020 & Newtown Theatre, 2010), One Way Mirror (Blood Moon Theatre, 2018); Shut Up And Drive (with Daniela Giorgi, KXT, 2016); All the Difference (Old 505, 2015); Joan Again (Old Fitz, 2014); Cristina in the Cupboard (TAP, 2013); Blind Tasting (Old 505, Ensemble, Street Theatre Canberra, 2012/2013/2018); A Thing of Beauty (Old Fitz, 2010)
Plays he has directed include: Seed Bomb by Daniela Giorgi (Old 505, 2019); TickTickBoom by Melissa Lee Speyer (Actors Pulse, 2018); Losing You (Twice) by Kate O'Keeffe (Newtown Theatre, 2017); The Poor Kitchen by Daniela Giorgi (Old 505, 2016); and A Quiet Night in Rangoon by Katie Pollock (New Theatre, 2011). He has also directed the multi-playwright projects Morning Star (Flight Path Theatre, 2021); And Now To Bed (The Bordello Theatre, 2015); High Windows Low Doorways (TAP, 2014); and The Political Hearts of Children (TAP, 2013).
The Producer - Daniela Giorgi
Daniela is a writer and producer, and co-founder of subtlenuance.
Since 2008, she has produced over thirty original shows, in venues throughout Sydney and Australia, such as The Old Fitz, KXT, New Theatre, Ensemble Theatre, Old 505, The Street Theatre Canberra, Flight Path Theatre, and the Melbourne and Adelaide Fringes.
The Company
subtlenuance is dedicated solely to the production of original work.
Since our inception in 2008 we have produced over 30 new works, in Sydney, and around the country.
“a small, fiercely independent company of proven integrity… [their work] augurs well, not only for subtlenuance’s future as a distinctive, important, independent voice in Australian theatre, but for the future of Australian theatre at large.”
Australian Stage Online
"subtlenuance is one of Sydney's most vital, active, prolific and innovative small production companies"
Crikey
“subtlenuance is one of Sydney’s most enduring and entertaining theatre companies"
Sydney Arts Guide
Have a look around our website and see what we’ve been up to!
Things you'll need to know
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The production will be run on a profit share basis.
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The play will have a two week run: 7 Aug to 20 Aug, 2023.
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It will be produced in a very cool Sydney venue (which we aren't yet allowed to publicly announce, because the season hasn't been officially launched!)
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The rehearsal timetable will be determined by the availability of the cast.
APPLICATIONS FOR THIS PROJECT ARE NOW CLOSED