HarbingerTheatre kicks off their 2024 Season with the rarely produced “In the Blood” by Suzan-Lori Parks, directed by TJ Collins. Performances at St. Rose Theatre, 3/15-3/24.
Auditions
11/8, 6-9pm
11/11 1-3pm with callbacks to follow.
at 319 Hamilton St, Albany, NY 12207, United States
For info & sides, contact TJ tjifridayfitness@gmail.com
This play is balanced on very real conversations of sexuality, violence, poverty and race. And yet with such realistic scenarios, the language built by Parkes is poetic and at many moments, surreal. The power of poetry and timing create an almost musical play, with which we intend to develop the story physically similar to a dance piece (while no prior dance experience is necessary).
Hester, the protagonist of the play, is a single mother of five who lives under a bridge and who struggles to care for her family. It is clear she is a loving Mom established in the initial HOME exposition scene but under guidance from the following five characters she struggles making a safe nurturing home for the five kids. Her struggle to keep them happy versus the adults that make up her community takes it toll especially as her sacrifices build higher than her hopes allow. This character is to be represented by a BIPOC female presenting performer.
The Following Characters are the adults in Hester’s life that should provide assistance, support, etc. ALL ACTORS play correlating children of HESTER:
Chilli is the father of Hester’s oldest child, Jabber. He is a smooth-talking man on the run from social services. For Hester he is a charming past and promising future. This actor also plays his own son, Jabber who is a loving son and teaches his mother the alphabet. This role is strictly offered to a male presenting BIPOC performer.
Reverend D. is the negligent father of Hester’s youngest child, Baby. He’s a preacher who pulled himself out of the gutter and speaks to that ability so highly of himself, but whereas he could help Hester provide for his/their child, he turns his head except to otherwise exploit her neediness, sexually. This actor finds a major spectrum doubling as comedic relief as Baby and then some of the darker scenarios as Reverend D. This role is strictly offered to a BIPOC male presenting performer.
The Welfare Lady is a social worker who helps but also exploits Hester. After her (and her husband’s) physical relations with Hester, feels the need to keep distance albeit her job to assist Hester and family. she Doubles as Bully, probably the more outspoken of Hester’s children. Always knows what she SHOULD be doing but having trouble doing it correctly. This role is open to a BIPOC female presenting performer.
The Doctor convinces Hester to agree to a hysterectomy. The Doctor is outlandishly unethical, using drugs abusively and patients with misconduct. He speaks directly of his orders from the healthcare system to absolve himself of his crimes. This actor doubles as Trouble who is struggling with attention span and playful behavioral issues. The correlation between the medication The Doctor relies on versus the impulses of Trouble create a beautiful development for the actor. This role is open to any and all male presenting actors of any and all races and ethnicity.
Amiga Gringa is Hester’s friend but often manipulates her. This character is fur coat fabulous with an empty bank account. She believes herself to “have it going ON” when in reality she continues to have to steal, con and put down her friend. She doubles as “Beauty” the second youngest child and very innocent. What we see in Amiga is the dangerous potential that lies in what could be for Beauty. Any and all female presenting performers encouraged to audition.
Rehearsals begin in January through March 3rd Load-In