The Port Elizabeth Gilbert and Sullivan Society have a long and proud tradition of presenting the highest quality musical theatre productions to the Port Elizabeth community. In 2011 and 2012 GS staged the critically acclaimed Fiela’s Child the Musical, an original South African work written by renowned stage and television performer, Ian von Memerty. This year we present another truly South African production, telling a story that will resonate deeply with Port Elizabeth residents who remember the thriving, cosmopolitan community that was South End before the forced removals and bring that troubled period to life for younger audiences.
During May 2013 GS will be presenting the premiere of Sounds of South End written by local writer, actor and director, Herbie Clayton and are calling on local talent to audition for roles. This stirring drama with music tells the story of the Dietrich family, who have been served with a notice to vacate their home in South End and move to the Northern Areas. Audiences will share their journey as they deal with the pain of leaving the only home they have ever known, the loss of their community, and the injustice of Apartheid laws regarding mixed marriage.
Sounds of South End will open at the Savoy Theatre, Adcockvale in May 2013 and will also feature at the Northern Area Arts Festival in September. Open auditions will be held on Friday 8th and Saturday 9th February at the Savoy Theatre on Diaz Rd. Singing auditions for the lead roles will be held on the Friday evening from 6:00pm and everyone else who would like to be part of the cast should come on Saturday at 1:00pm for a movement audition and readings. No experience is necessary so we hope that plenty of energetic newcomers of all ages and backgrounds will come along and enjoy a relaxed and supportive audition process.
The roles available are (** means that you will need to do a singing audition):
- Helen – late 30s-40s, light skinned Coloured woman, the backbone of the family **
- Patty – youngest daughter 16-25, light skinned Coloured with strong singing voice **
- Shirley – eldest daughter 16-25, light skinned Coloured with strong singing voice **
- James – 18-25, Patty’s boyfriend, darker skinned Coloured male, some singing required **
- Martie, Jamie, Mikie – Coloured males 30 plus, some singing required **
- Daisy – 30 plus, Black woman, the Dietrich’s maid **
- Peter – White male 18-25, Shirley’s boyfriend.
There are many other smaller roles for people of all colours, ages, shapes and sizes. This is a musical about a community so all different types of people are needed, children playing in the park, gossiping women in the street, gang members, party guests, etc
Call Tammy Clayton on 073 217 7777 for all enquiries and to book a time for singing auditions on Friday 8th February if auditioning for any of the roles listed above. An audition package is available that gives information about the show, the roles and some tips for auditions. Further details regarding the package and workshop are also available from Tammy Clayton.
