Summer of Sorrow: Death or Canada
CASTING CALL
Death or Canada is a docudrama which takes viewers back in time to one of the greatest humanitarian crises of the 19th century-the Irish Potato Famine, when more than one million people died and an equal number fled their homeland. In the summer of 1847, 38,000 sick and dying Irish refugees landed in Toronto, overwhelming the existing population of 20,000 souls and causing a health care crisis beyond imagination. Temporary fever sheds were erected on the grounds of the hospital where more than one thousand people succumbed to typhoid and other illnesses. Through dramatic recreations, viewers are taken to 1847 Ireland to witness the horrors endured by the people, and to Canada, as Toronto scrambled to cope with an unforeseen and unimaginable tragedy.
Ballinran Productions Ltd. is seeking seven actors to play the following roles.
PRINCIPALS
Michael Power: Mid-40s. The First Catholic Bishop of Toronto. Average looking; dark hair and a dark complexion. A frontier priest for many years and used to hardship.
Edward McElderry: Late 30s to early 40s. The local Emigrant Agent and representative of the Government of the Province of Canada. A warm, friendly man and a father to eight children. Under a great deal of pressure and stress. Sympathetic and greatly pained by the hardships he witnesses.
Mayor William Boulton: Middle-aged; mid to late 40s. An establishment man with a superior, slightly calculating air about him. Grey haired or balding, likely with mutton chops. Well-fed. Of the privileged class. Indifferent to the Irish and the poor in general.
John B. Townsend: Mid to late 30s. The Police Constable and Clerk of the Toronto Board of Health. Tall, powerfully built and in good physical condition; possibly has sideburns. A man with a serious but honest manner, who looks like he could manage a crowd without resorting to violence or anger.
Ryan's Hearse Undertaker: Late 20s to mid 30s. A corrupt man who makes his living out of other people's misery. A more macabre version of Fagan.
Dr. Grassett: Mid 30s. Strong and determined, and does not shrink from difficult situations. As a part of the privileged class, he has an academic air to him but is empathetic to the suffering. Resisted pressure from his prejudiced Anglican family to treat the suffering Irish.
Nurse Bailey: Late 20s to early 30s. Sweet, caring and compassionate towards her patients.
EXTRAS
Ballinran Productions Limited is also seeking 103 to 123 volunteers from Toronto's Irish community to serve as extras. Food and beverages will be supplied. Each extra will be given a copy of the program and receive credit for their work. Finally, a donation will be made to the Ireland Park Foundation (http://www.irelandparkfoundation.com) in the name of all the extras who participate.
Principal Extras-
Famine Victims (5): All ages. Rowan Gillespie's statues at Ireland Park brought to life. Gaunt, sickly and melancholy from the hardships they have endured. Dancer's build. Physically expressive.
Rabid Refugees (3): All ages. Gaunt, sickly and ragged; ethereal ghosts of the past. Physically expressive.
Irish Refugees (20): All ages (>0 to 50s). Men, women and children who have been ravaged by the horrors of the Irish famine and from their desperate evacuation from their homeland. Gaelic speakers appreciated.
Supporting Extras-
Edward McElderry's Assistant: Adult male; mid to late 20s. Young, ambitious and hard working.
John Yonge: Adult male; late 20s. Well-to-do, travelled in the first class area of the steamers with the hordes of immigrants. Witnessed the horrors at the Toronto dock side - "We got rid of most of our living cargo, whom they treated just like cattle driving them about. They were all turned out and kept back with sticks till their luggage would be tumbled out after them".
Irish Refugees (20-40): All ages (>0 to 50s). Men, women and children who have been ravaged by the horrors of the Irish famine and from their desperate evacuation from their homeland. Gaelic speakers appreciated.
Fever Shed Residents (20): See above.
Fever Shed Builders (2): Young to middle aged men. Well-built. Labourers.
Parishioners (20): All ages and all body types. Attend Michael Power's church.
City Councillors (11): Adult males; late 20s to mid 50s. Upper class; both uncaring and oblivious to the impending crisis.
Doctor: Adult male. Quietly authoritative air.
Nurses (2): Late 20s to early 30s. Brave and compassionate women.
Passersby (3): Adults; male and female. Average citizens of Toronto.
'No Irish' Women (2): Adults. Average citizens of Toronto. Prejudiced against the Irish.
Medical Orderlies (2): Adult males. Must be able to carry bodies on stretchers.
Ryan's Hearse Assistant: Similar to Ryan's Hearse Undertaker.
Ryan's Hearse Witness: Adult male. Average citizen of Toronto.
Dock Workers (3): Adult males. Well-built, worn, tough, hardy individuals.
Constables (3): Adult males. Young and fit; authoritative; unsympathetic.
If interested, please submit your contact information and availability along with a clear picture or headshot to:
Jocelyn.Geddie@ballinran.com
416 777 2500 x 233