Casting Notice
STRAIGHT FROM THE STRAIT, A TORRES STRAIT ISLAND MUSICAL.
Maiem
Kapu Goeyga Pamleh
| Opera Queensland and Yumpla Nerkep Foundation are seeking performers for a new musical theatre work entitled “Straight from the Strait”. If you love to sing, act, perform – and want to be part of the World Premiere of a true and original Torres Strait Island story – there could be a role for you! | Opera Queensland and Yumpla Nerkep Foundation are looking for performers for mepla new musical theatre work called, “Straight from the Strait”. If youpla sabe talk Torres Strait Creole, sabe act, can perform and love and sabe sing and wande be part of the World Premiere blo this true and original Torres Strait Island story – then we wande YO! |
ABOUT THE SHOW
On 8 May 1968, the Torres Strait Island workers on the Mt Newman railway project broke the world record in tracklaying. In one day, they laid, spiked and anchored almost 7km of track, smashing the previous record, held by the United States of 4.6km. The record has never been broken.
Straight from the Strait is inspired by the true stories of these Torres Strait Island men who left their homes and families to seek work on the mainland. They found brotherhood and triumph despite the backbreaking labour, forging much of the railway transport infrastructure that operates across the country to this day.
Traditional dance, language, and song have been woven expertly with contemporary music in this overwhelmingly joyful celebration of a little known but deeply significant story in Australia’s modern history.
PAID ENGAGEMENT
This exciting opportunity to be part of a World Premiere at QPAC will consist of a minimum of 6 weeks paid contract (per LPA Award rates), plus all travel and accommodation for cast members outside of Brisbane to participate.
THE CREATIVES
Librettist: Norah Bagiri
Composer: Rubina Kimiia
Director: Nadine McDonald-Dowd
CULTURAL ADVISORS
Ruth Ghee, Tony Ghee (Eastern Islands)
Norah Bagiri, George Bagiri (Western & Central Islands)
CASTING REQUIREMENTS
Seeking to cast 12 male and 3 female performers, ages 18-60, with various levels of experience in performance.
Applicants must be:
- Torres Strait Island descent
- Available for auditions and creative development (see below dates)
- Available for rehearsals and performance season at Queensland Performing Arts Centre, 29 July – 31 August 2024 (inclusive)
WHAT’S NEXT
EOI Submissions closed Friday 10 November 2023.
Successful EOIs will be contacted via email to participate in ROUND 1 Auditions (online, Thursday, 16 November 2023). In this round, candidates will be asked to perform a specific song and material from the script. Resources will be provided so you can prepare.
Successful ROUND 1 candidates will be invited to participate in ROUND 2 Auditions in Cairns. Travel, accommodation, and allowances will be supplied.
NOTE:
Only successful EOIs will be invited to participate in ROUND 1 and 2 callbacks.
Travel, accommodation, and allowances for activities in Cairns and Brisbane supplied for eligible candidates.
