Goddess
About the project
Saheem Ali, creator-dir.; Michael Thurber, music-lyrics; Jocelyn Bioh, book; Darrell Grand Moultrie, choreo; The Public Theater, prod.; Mara Isaacs, No Guarantees Productions, and Rashad Chambers, special arrangement
Casting Equity actors for roles in "Goddess." Some roles will be understudied.
Dates & Locations
Rehearsals begin March 15; tech April 15-27; performs April 29-June 8; possible extension.
Compensation & Contract
Key Details
- Oct 9, 2024: 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM EDT
EPA
Procedures are in effect for this audition. An Equity Monitor will be
provided. For the audition, prepare a shortcut (1 minute) in the
R&B/Soul realm. No musical theater. Bring your resume, and cover
letter stapled together. The holding room is 314; the audition room is
315
Equity’s contracts prohibit discrimination. Equity is
committed to diversity and encourages all its employers to engage in a
policy of equal employment opportunity designed to promote a positive
model of inclusion. As such, Equity encourages performers of all
ethnicities, gender identities, and ages, as well as performers with
disabilities, to attend every audition. Always bring your Equity
Membership card to auditions.
Additional Materials
SETTING: Present day in the busting coastal city of Mombasa, Kenya.
NOTES
ABOUT MUSICAL STYLE: The world of Mombasa and particularly the people
who frequent the Jazz and Afrobeat club at the center of the show, MOTO
MOTO, are a unique intersection of Kenyan identities. The music in the
show is a reflection of all of those musical influences along with Jazz,
R&B, Taarab, Afrobeat, Pop and Soul.
SEEKING:
NADIRA:
OFFER OUT. She/her; Late 20s-30s. Black. The beautiful, sultry and
mysterious headlining singer at Moto Moto. She is the pulse of the club
and has a voice that is powerful, unparalleled and mystifying. She has a
strong and alluring energy that is hard to resist. She is hiding the
fact that she is actually Marimba, the Goddess of Music who has come to
earth to escape a dark past. An incredible singer, and strong mover.
East African/Kenyan dialect.
OMARI: CAST He/him. Late 20s-30s;
Black. The only child of Hassan and Siti. He has recently received his
Masters Degree in Political Science from Columbia University and is now
back in Mombasa to step into his family’s political legacy as Governor.
Though Omari is passionate about politics, he also has a deep love for
music and is an expert with the saxophone - a skill he perfected in his
many years sneaking off to play in the band at Moto Moto, his second
home. A strong singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
CHECHE:
CAST She/her. Late 20s to 30s; Black. The spirited, determined and
betrothed fiancée to Omari. She is incredibly intelligent, savvy,
beautiful and competent enough to be a leader in her own right. A strong
singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
AHMED: He/him. Late
20’s to 30’s; Black, South Asian or Middle Eastern descent. The sexy,
suave and smooth MC/hype man of Moto Moto. He’s a generous spirit who
always tries to lead with love. He and Omari has been best friends since
they were children. At the club, Ahmed is desperately yet comically in
love with Rashida who has had his heart since the day they met. A strong
singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
RASHIDA: CAST
She/her. Early to Late 30s. Black. The whip smart, funny, beautiful,
curvaceous and talented head bartender and assistant manager at Moto
Moto. She always tells it like it is - the epitome of a straight
shooter. She has yet to reciprocate Ahmed’s affections, but deep down
she knows he’s the one. A strong singer, and mover. East African/Kenyan
dialect.
MADONGO: OFFER OUT. He/him. Black. The owner of Moto Moto whose personality is not everyone’s cup of tea. Deep down, he’s a man in search of something great and someone to love. Able to sing and move. East African/Kenyan dialect.
BALOZI: CAST. Black. A mysterious and
unique spirited “seer.” Balozi’s spirit and energy feel timeless.
Charming, wise and has a deep respect for The Gods. A strong singer and
mover. East African/Kenyan dialect.
HASSAN: He/him. 50s+. Black,
South Asian or Middle Eastern descent Omari’s father and the current
Governor of Mombasa. He’s a strict, conservative, traditional man who
prides himself in the power he holds both in Mombasa and over his
family. Able to hold a tune. East African/Kenyan dialect
SITI:
She/her. 40s+. Black, South Asian or Middle Eastern descent. Omari’s
incredibly caring and docile mother. She is proud to be the First Lady
of Mombasa and is eager to keep the peace and be the best, most
traditional wife and mother. She is smart and believes in the value of
upholding tradition. A strong singer. East African/Kenyan dialect.
ZAWADI:
CAST she/ her. Late 20s- 40s. Black. A part of The Grio Trio. Ethereal,
celestial beings that are the conduits between the human and spirit
world. They guide us through the story of the play, but can easily shift
into characters in the story. They are mysterious, sultry and
charismatic in their uniquely specific way. A strong singer and mover.
East African/ Kenyan dialect.
TISA: CAST she/ her. Late 20s- 40s.
Black. A part of The Grio Trio. Ethereal, celestial beings that are the
conduits between the human and spirit world. They guide us through the
story of the play, but can easily shift into characters in the story.
They are mysterious, sultry and charismatic in their uniquely specific
way. A strong singer and mover. East African/ Kenyan dialect..
MOSI:
CAST she/ her. Late 20s- 40s. Black. A part of The Grio Trio. Ethereal,
celestial beings that are the conduits between the human and spirit
world. They guide us through the story of the play, but can easily shift
into characters in the story. They are mysterious, sultry and
charismatic in their uniquely specific way. A strong singer and mover.
East African/ Kenyan dialect.
MOTO MOTO CLUB MEMBERS (Currently 8
Ensemble members, exact numbers TBD) FOUR CAST. Any/all gender
identities; The vital pulse of Moto Moto club. 20s+; Black, South Asian
or Middle Eastern descent. Strong singers and movers.
