Call For Auditions – Parifam

Casting call for the world premiere of Parifam by Aki Yaghoubi, directed by Panthea Vatandoost, running April 4-14, 2024, co-produced by Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre (vAct) and Medusa Theatre Society (MTS).

Medusa Theatre Society [MTS] is dedicated to supporting, producing, and creating works that engage with the immigrant and refugee community, with a focus on the Middle East, North Africa, and Turkey.

Vancouver Asian Canadian Theatre [vAct] is the only professional theatre company in Canada exclusively creating, developing and spearheading new Asian Canadian work. vAct is dedicated to spotlighting artistic excellence from the Asian diaspora and uplifting underserved narratives.

vAct & MTS encourage applications from candidates with a broad range of backgrounds including, but not limited to: gender identity, sexual orientation, class and physical ability.

Synopsis:
Past and present, memories and secrets, swirl and blend in this powerful new play.

Detached from family and friends, Parifam draws and paints in her private studio in Montréal—a place where memory and inspiration are in a continuous battle. Parifam‘s world is turned upside down when her childhood friend Ramak re-enters her life. Parifam and Ramak grapple with the hidden truths that linger in their past—soon to be revealed in an exhibition on Persian culture at a museum they built together.

Content Notice:
The play includes implied full body nudity and descriptions of sexual violence involving a minor. For any specific content inquiries, email Panthea Vatandoost.

Character Descriptions:

Parifam (female, 39, Iranian) – Iranian immigrant currently living in Montreal, Canada, with her husband Casra. Architect and painter. Strong, guarded, extremely intelligent, and an excellent reader of people. Passionate about her work, yet cagey about her painting. A woman who has seen it all, and yet refuses to succumb to her circumstances. A survivor. Please note that this role includes implied full body nudity on stage.

Kian (male, 22, Iranian) – Parifam’s son, born and raised in Germany. Fresh out of university and currently staying with his parents. Strong-willed, opinionated, will not be silenced when he has something to say even if it hurts those he cares about. He has no patience for his mother’s antics.

Casra (male, 69, Iranian) – Parifam’s husband. Political activist, refugee from Iran to Germany, and currently living in Montreal. Kind, gentle, patient. A loving father and husband doing his best to protect and care for his family.

Ramak (female, 39, Iranian) – Parifam’s childhood friend. Documentarian. Iranian immigrant who has been living in Montreal since she was 17. Married to Justin, who works for the municipal government. Reserved, meticulous, delicate. She will do whatever she has to in order to protect the life she has built for herself. Trying to stay one step ahead of a past threatening to destroy everything.

The Man (Ramak’s father, Iranian, 30s-40s ) // Male Prison Guard (male, 30s-40s, Iranian) – These two roles will be played by the same actor. These two characters appear during Parifam’s dream sequences, and will be stylized/surrealist versions of the people she is remembering. Experience in physical theatre is an asset.

Audition dates:
Tuesday, September 5, 12:00pm – 6:00pm
Wednesday, September 6, 11:00am – 6:00pm

Show Details
Rehearsal: February 19 – April 3, 2024 [Prorated schedule as per Clause 24:06 of the CTA]

Performance: April 4-14, 2024

Please Note:
● We are accepting audition submissions from artists based outside of Vancouver via self-tapes
● We are not currently seeking submissions for the role of Justin
● An understanding of the Farsi language is not necessary for participation in this project
● The project will include an Intimacy Director, ensuring the safety and comfort of the cast
throughout the production process

How to Submit:
● Send a Headshot, Resume and Demo Reel [if applicable] to Producer Tricia Trinh with the
subject: “Parifam Audition Submission”
● Please include your name in the title of the files and indicate the role(s) you are interested in
● Only those selected for an audition will be contacted
● Submission deadline: August 30, 2023