Open Call for Multilingual Performers in Delhi, India: Audition for ABSURDO by Kaivalya Plays

Register for the auditions on the link bit.ly/kpabsurdoform and send us your videos by Wednesday 27th September 2023 11:59pm.

About the Project

Kaivalya Plays is inviting multilingual actors and performers based in and around Delhi NCR to audition for their new production ABSURDO, which explores the work of playwrights Enrique Jardiel Poncela, Fernando Arrabal and Virgilio Piñera. The multilingual production is supported by Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi and will make its premiere on December 1st 2023.

The texts being explored in the work include:

1. "Usted tiene ojos de una mujer fatal" by Jardiel Poncela

2. "Picnic on the Battlefield" by Fernando Arrabal

3. "Cold Tales" by Virgilio Piñera (presented in English)

The auditions are open to actors of any level of experience, including newcomers. The only requirement is that performers must be comfortable performing in at least two languages (English & Spanish, Spanish & Hindi or Hindi & English). Auditions will be held at the Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi on Saturday 30th September and Sunday 1st October. They will consist of a video monologue submission, an in-person monologue and an in-person group workshop.

Performers will receive a compensation of INR 20,000 for the premiere run. This will cover the rehearsal period (Oct-Nov 2023), premiere (Dec 2023), and another three performances (Jan 2023).

Project Timeline

AUDITION PROCESS

Audition application deadline: Wednesday 27th September 2023 11:59pm

Auditions process

Stage 0 - Register for the auditions at bit.ly/kpabsurdoform

Stage 1 - Record a video audition of any two monologues in different languages (ie English & Hindi, Spanish & Hindi or English & Spanish). Send these to us on contact@kaivalyaplays.org by 5pm IST on Wednesday 27th September.

Stage 2 - Shortlisted candidates will be invited to present their monologues in-person on Saturday 30th September, 3pm to 7pm.

Stage 3 - Final candidates will be invited to attend a group workshop in-person on Sunday 1st October, 3pm to 7pm.

Cast Selection: Tuesday 3rd October 8pm by email

REHEARSAL PROCESS*

Rehearsals: Wednesday October 4th to Thursday November 30th, 2023.

• Rehearsal times: 3 pm to 7 pm (4 hours per day).

• Rehearsal location: Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi

Dress Rehearsal Week: November 23rd to 30th, 2023 (1 week).

PERFORMANCES

December 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, 2023 and three nights in January 2024 at Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi.

* The rehearsal timings will be flexible depending on the availability of rehearsal space and other professional commitments of the creative team.

Audition Details

REGISTER FOR AUDITIONS

Register for the auditions on the link bit.ly/kpabsurdoform by Wednesday 27th September 2023 11:59pm

REGISTER HERE

In case of any questions or concerns, write to us at contact@kaivalyaplays.org

Audition Instructions & Monologues

Please register for the auditions on the link above. You will receive an email confirmation from us with more details about the audition.

ROUND 1: From the monologues provided below, choose and memorize two monologues in different languages (English & Spanish, or Spanish & Hindi, or English & Hindi). Please record a video of you performing these two monologues and send it to us by 5pm Wednesday 27th September.

ROUND 2: If shortlisted, you will be contacted for an in-person audition slot of 10 minutes to present your monologues.

ROUND 3: Shortlisted performers will then be invited for a group workshop along with other performers.

MONOLOGUE 1 - ENGLISH / SPANISH

Character: Elena / Personaje: Elena

"Love is a strange thing, isn't it? It sneaks into your heart when you least expect it, and suddenly, you find yourself thinking about someone day and night. That's what happened to me with Sergio Hernán. I didn't plan for it; it just happened. But now, he's become this enigma in my life. I can't help but wonder if he ever felt the same way about me, if there was something real between us, or if it was all just a game. Regardless, I won't let anyone stand in the way of my happiness. I'll fight for what I want, even if it means going up against the charming and elusive Sergio Hernán."

"El amor es algo extraño, ¿verdad? Se cuela en tu corazón cuando menos lo esperas y de repente te encuentras pensando en alguien día y noche. Eso es lo que me pasó con Sergio Hernán. No lo planeé; simplemente sucedió. Pero ahora él se ha convertido en un enigma en mi vida. No puedo evitar preguntarme si alguna vez sintió lo mismo por mí, si había algo real entre nosotros o si todo fue solo un juego. Independientemente de eso, no permitiré que nadie se interponga en mi felicidad. Lucharé por lo que quiero, incluso si eso significa enfrentarme al encantador y esquivo Sergio Hernán."

MONOLOGUE 2 - ENGLISH / SPANISH

Character: Sergio Hernán / Personaje: Sergio Hernán

"I used to be a different person, you know. I reveled in the thrill of seduction, the conquest of women who fell under my spell. But then I met Elena. Elena, who changed everything. With her, it wasn't about games or conquests. It was about something more profound, something that touched my soul. I can't believe I ever let her slip away. Now, I have a chance to make things right. I'll prove that I've changed, that I'm capable of love and commitment. Elena means more to me than anything, and I won't let her down."

"Solía ser una persona diferente, ¿sabes? Disfrutaba con la emoción de la seducción, la conquista de mujeres que caían bajo mi hechizo. Pero luego conocí a Elena. Elena, quien cambió todo. Con ella, no se trataba de juegos ni de conquistas. Era algo más profundo, algo que tocaba mi alma. No puedo creer que alguna vez la dejara escapar. Ahora tengo la oportunidad de hacer las cosas bien. Demostraré que he cambiado, que soy capaz de amar y comprometerme. Elena significa más para mí que cualquier cosa y no la decepcionaré."

MONOLOGUE 3 - HINDI / ENGLISH

Character's Reflection

Context: This monologue allows the character to reflect on their experiences, desires, or a significant moment in the play.

(मोनोलॉग 1 - पात्र का विचार):

संदर्भ: इस मोनोलॉग में पात्र को अपने अनुभवों, इच्छाओं, या नाटक में किसी महत्वपूर्ण पल के बारे में विचार करने का अवसर मिलता है।

"I often find myself lost in thought, pondering the beauty and absurdity of life. In the midst of this seemingly tranquil picnic in the countryside, I've realized that life's complexities are never too far behind. The laughter, the moments of connection, and the dance of existence are all woven into this very fabric of our existence. I yearn for something more profound, something beyond the surface. As I gaze at the endless horizon, I can't help but wonder what lies beyond. What mysteries await us in this world of contradictions? Perhaps it's the quest for meaning that keeps us moving forward, embracing both the light and the darkness."

"मैं अक्सर ख्यालों में खो जाता हूँ, जीवन की सुंदरता और उसकी विलक्षणता का विचार करता हूँ। जीवन की रौशनी और उसकी दिव्यता के साथ, मैं हमेशा ही खोया रहता हूँ। पिकनिक के इस शांत दृश्य में, मैंने यह महसूस किया है कि जीवन की चुनौतियाँ कभी भी दूर नहीं होतीं। हँसी, एकजुटी हुई अनुभूतियों की दस्तान, और अस्तित्व का नृत्य, सब इसी जीवन के अक्षर में वोवन हैं। मैं अधिक गहराई में कुछ खोजता हूँ, कुछ अधिक रूप में। जब मैं आसमान के अनंत होराइजन की ओर देखता हूँ, तो मैं यह सोचने से रोका नहीं जा सकता कि आगे क्या है। वहां कुछ रहस्य हो सकते हैं, जो हमारे इस विश्व के आगे इंतजार कर रहे हैं। शायद यह आगे बढ़ने की खोज है, जो हमें प्रकाश और अंधकार दोनों को ग्रहण करते हुए आगे बढ़ने के लिए रखा है।"

MONOLOGUE 4 - HINDI / ENGLISH

Character's Desire:

Context: This monologue allows the character to express their desires, ambitions, or inner conflicts.

(मोनोलॉग 2 - पात्र की इच्छा):

संदर्भ: इस मोनोलॉग में पात्र को अपनी इच्छाओं, लक्ष्यों, या आंतरिक संघर्षों को व्यक्त करने का अवसर मिलता है।

"I've spent my life yearning for something extraordinary, something that sets my heart on fire. In this idyllic picnic setting, I can't help but feel a restless energy within me. I crave adventure, the unknown, the thrill of the unexpected. There's a fire burning deep within my soul, a hunger for experiences beyond the ordinary. It's time to break free from the constraints of the familiar and embark on a journey that will define me. The world is vast, and I refuse to be confined to the ordinary. Let the winds of change carry me to the extraordinary, where I can discover the untamed, uncharted territories of my own existence."

"मैंने अपने जीवन में कुछ असाधारण चाहा है, कुछ ऐसा वीराना चाहा है, जो मेरे दिल को जलादेता है। इस पर्यावरणिक पिकनिक सेटिंग में, मैं अपने भीतर की बेचैनी को महसूस करने से बच नहीं सकता हूँ। मैं साहस, अज्ञात, और अप्रत्याशित की इच्छा करता हूँ। मेरे आत्मा के अंदर एक आग बाकी है, एक अनुभव की प्यास है जो सामान्य के पार है। अब वक़्त आ गया है कि सामान्य की सीमाओं से बाहर निकलूं, जो मुझे रोक रही थी। दुनिया विशाल है, और मैं सामान्य की जगह असामान्य के पीछे हूँ, जहाँ मैं अपने असमान अनुभव की खोज कर सकता हूँ।"

MONOLOGUE 5 - ENGLISH / SPANISH / HINDI

Character's Observation:

Context: This monologue has the character to observe the happenings in their town.

Once there, he explained that each person could cut two fillets, from their left buttock, just like the flesh-colored plaster model he had hanging from a shining meathook. He showed how to cut two fillets, not one, for if he had cut one beautiful fillet from his own left buttock, it was only right that no one should consume one fillet fewer. Once these points were cleared up, each person began to slice two fillets from his left buttock. It was a glorious spectacle, but it is requested that descriptions not be given out. Calculations were made concerning how long the town would enjoy the benefits of this meat. One distinguished physician predicted that a per- son weighing one hundred pounds (discounting viscera and the rest of the inedible organs) could eat meat for one hundred and forty days at the rate of half a pound a day. This calculation was, of course, deceptive. And what mattered was that each person could eat his beautiful fillet.

Una vez allí hizo saber que cada persona cortaría de su nalga izquierda dos filetes, en todo iguales a una muestra en yeso encarnado que colgaba de un reluciente alambre. Y declaraba que dos filetes y no uno, pues si él había cortado de su propia nalga izquierda un hermoso filete, justo era que la cosa marchase a compás, esto es, que nadie engullera un filete menos. Una vez fijados estos puntos diose cada uno a rebanar dos filetes de su respectiva nalga izquierda. Era un glorioso espectáculo, pero se ruega no enviar descripciones. Por lo demás, se hicieron cálculos acerca de cuánto tiempo gozaría el pueblo de los beneficios de la carne. Un distinguido anatómico predijo que sobre un peso de cien libras, y descontando vísceras y demás órganos no ingestibles, un individuo podía comer carne durante ciento cuarenta días a razón de media libra por día. Por lo demás, era un cálculo ilusorio. Y lo que importaba era que cada uno pudiese ingerir su hermoso filete.

वहां जाकर, उन्होंने समझाया कि प्रत्येक व्यक्ति अपने बाएं नितंब से दो फ़िललेट्स काट सकता है, ठीक उसी तरह जैसे मांस के रंग का प्लास्टर मॉडल उसने दीवार के हुक से लटका रखा था। उसने दिखाया कि एक नहीं बल्कि दो फ़िललेट कैसे काटे जाते हैं, क्योंकि अगर उसने अपने बाएं नितंब से एक सुंदर फ़िललेट काटा होता, तो यह सही था कि किसी को भी एक फ़िललेट कम नहीं खाना चाहिए। एक बार जब ये नियम स्पष्ट हो गए, तो प्रत्येक व्यक्ति ने अपने बाएं नितंब से दो फ़िललेट्स काटना शुरू कर दिया। यह एक शानदार दृश्य था, लेकिन अनुरोध है कि इसका विवरण न दिया जाए। इस बात की जांच की गई कि शहर इस मांस का लाभ कितने समय तक उठाएगा। एक प्रतिष्ठित चिकित्सक ने भविष्यवाणी की थी कि एक सौ पाउंड वजन वाला व्यक्ति (आंतों और बाकी अखाद्य अंगों को छोड़कर) प्रतिदिन आधा पाउंड की दर से एक सौ चालीस दिनों तक मांस खा सकता है। यह अनुमान वास्तव में भ्रामक था। और जो बात मायने रखती थी वह यह थी कि प्रत्येक व्यक्ति अपना सुंदर फ़िललेट खा सकता था।

Here are some tips to help you prepare better for your audition:

1. For your video submission, focus on your performance and not the video quality. It does not need to be a fancy video, just a stable mobile camera with good lighting will do.

2. For the in-person audition, you will receive a timeslot of 10 minutes. Be punctual for your audition slot. Arrive with ample time to spare, as latecomers may not be accommodated.

3. During the audition, clearly state your name and the monologue you will perform in both languages.

4. Determine the setting and situation for each monologue. Visualize where you are, who you are addressing, and what actions you are performing during your speech, and show us. Speak clearly and don't rush through your monologues.

5. Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that allows you to move freely. Dress appropriately for the audition, but prioritize comfort.

6. Bring a bottle of water to stay hydrated during the audition process.

Lastly, remember to enjoy the audition process. Please also let us know ahead of time anything we can do to make the audition process more comfortable or accessible by writing to us on contact@kaivalyaplays.org.

You will receive your audition date and slot by Wednesday 27th September 5pm. The auditions will be held in the auditorium at Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About Kaivalya Plays

Kaivalya Plays is a Delhi-based collective of independent theatre practitioners led by Varoon P. Anand as its Artistic Director and Gaurav Singh Nijjer as General Manager. Since 2012, Kaivalya Plays has brought works by many Latin American authors to the Indian stage and has frequently collaborated with institutions like Instituto Cervantes Nueva Delhi and the Embassies of Argentina, Spain and Ecuador in India. They have adapted and staged texts by Julio Cortazar (Goodbye Robinson), Jorge Luis Borges (El Aleph, Blue Tigers, The Book of Sand, Funes the Memorious), Pablo Palacio (A Man Kicked To Death), Alvaro Desleal (Luz Negra) and Griselda Gambaro (Say Yes). In 2022, they staged a digital theatre production of the classic Peruvian epic Ollantay, in collaboration with the Embassy of Peru in India. ABSURDO is our thirteenth theatrical project with its roots in Latin American arts and culture.