AUDITIONS: FAR EAST, by AR Gurney

FAR EAST

by A.R. Gurney

Tuesday, Aug. 26 & Thursday Aug. 28 – 7-9pm

ArtsWestchester 31 Mamaroneck Avenue, White Plains, NY

Directed by Christopher Arena

Information 914-632-7332

A.R. Gurney’s FAR EAST tells its story of “forbidden love” against the backdrop of 1950’s Japan shortly after Korea and on the cusp of  Vietnam. Performance dates: Oct. 17, 18, 24, 25.

Rehearsals: Tues, Wed, Thurs.

3M, 2 F (one Asian)

Young U.S. Navy Ensign Sparky Watts, has arrived in Japan and fallen in love with a local girl, much to the concern and consternation of his commanding officer’s wife, Julia. Julia is friends with Sparky’s family back in Milwaukie and knows his straight-laced WASP family would never approve of such a union. Added to the mix is Sparky’s bunkmate, Bob who’s being blackmailed to provide top secret information or be revealed as Gay.

Influenced by the intricacies of Kabuki theatre, Gurney explores these tales of “forbidden love” as the social mores of 1950’s America, clash with the seeming exoticism of the Far East.

CAST:

The Reader, Asian actress. She narrates and controls the story from a kneeling or sitting position. She also vocally becomes ancillary characters.

Sparky Watts, Young Ensign in the U.S. Navy. Fresh out of the academy, he wants to see the world and separate himself from his wealthy and influential family back home.

Captain Anderson, Sparky’s commanding officer. A former Navy pilot, he possesses a wry sense of humor. He can see and appreciate certain personalities for what they are, but never lets his men forget who’s in charge.

Julia, Captain Anderson’s wife. Somewhat lonely and unfilled. She can’t be home stateside so she tries to create Western pastimes in the Far East.

Bob, Sparky’s bunkmate, very laid back, very blasé, very closeted.

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