Audition for Abiyoyo
Auditions:
Sunday, July 2 from 12:00 to 5:00 pm
Monday, July 3 from 5:00 to 8:00 pm
Appointments are required. For an appointment, please include your full name and choose your preferred time via Google form:
https://forms.gle/sQ2JrpwHy4RcPzr5A
Auditions will be at DMR Adventures (Studio D) 109 2nd SE. Charlottesville, Va 22902 on the Charlottesville Downtown Above Jack Browns.
Brief Synopsis:
After being banished from their Bantu village, young Azizi and his father Sam set off on a journey like no other. Dealing with their shared grief after the loss of Azizi’s mother, the two end up facing something even bigger: the giant Abiyoyo. Featuring folklore, and a score that draws from the rich musical traditions of Africa. The music is both authentic and powerful, a unique operatic experience that will captivate audiences of all ages. Will Azizi be able to save the village? And will family ties be the bonds that conquer all? Come along for an unforgettable journey of love, challenge, and triumph in Abiyoyo: A Musical Story-Song.
? Inspired by Pete Seeger's children's book.
Book, Lyrics, and Music by Xavier Taylor
Directed by Jessica Harris
Roles available for 4 men, 4 women, 2 N.G and ensemble: Casting actors of African American, Black, and BIPOC community
The ages listed are the stated ages of the characters, not necessarily the required age of the actors.
Azizi, (11-14), A quixotic young man always with his head in the cloud, loves to play
his Engoni (Early African predecessor to the Banjo) a gift from his deceased mother. His hope is his guide.
Sam, (30-45), Azizi's Father, Strong, thin man, A once well-intentioned witch doctor/ Sangoma
who has lost his way, His days are filled with sorrow and booze since the passing of his wife, He
acts out by tricking and scheming his following townspeople.
Zilla, (30- 45), Once highly revered Inyanga, beautiful and otherworldly even in life, she
has passed due to cancer, He returns to reconnect with her wounded family and warns of things to
come.
Auntie Ouafa, (30-40), A large, bubbly, talkative woman, is currently inyanga. Brings a bit of comedy, and focus to the story. Seems to know and understand all and nothing at all.
Induna, (50-60), elderly, physically strong-looking, Local chieftain to several surrounding
Principality's, Father to Zilla, grandfather to Azizi. Long set in his ways and his only true goal is to keep the peace among his people and his family.
Pel, (35-50), Town's person and local woodworker, was at one point friends with Sam. Over the years, he has become frustrated and angered by his antics.
Abiyoyo, A large mythical giant, Long song to only be a fairy tale, His hunger and insatiable. His intent is unknown.
Narrator: Integral to the telling of the story. They move the story along and provide information. Often assumes an outer or inner voice of other characters throughout. An all-knowing presence.
Kiano. Townsperson
Roswell Townsperson
Samara Townsperson
Forman: Is the proprietor of the local fishmonger, easily frustrated.
Ensemble roles include Townspeople and children: Require Strong, dynamic, and flexible voices. The Ensemble sings throughout the piece, a part of the orchestration.
All roles are available.
Other information:
Request an appointment time via
Google Forms
. Someone from our team will confirm your audition time.
Prepare a 32-bar cut of Gospel, Pop, Jazz, or Classical music selection, As well as a poem or monologue by a black author.
Be prepared to cold-read scenes from the script.
We will accept video submissions
Please bring a resume and headshot.
References may be required.
Rehearsals will be a mix of Virtual/in-person in Charlottesville beginning August 7th.
All conflicts must be noted at the time of the audition.
For more information, contact us at
abiyoyothemusical@gmail.com or the
Abiyoyo Musical website
The Workshop Performance of Abiyoyo- The Story-Song Musical will run October,25 at 8 pm 2023 at the Jefferson African American Heritage Center in historic downtown Charlottesville. As part of the August Wilson Symposium.
Videos
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