
Always more of an acclaimed abstract artist than a mother, on her birthday Virgie decides to flout convention with a shock announcement for her family and friends. She has enjoyed life, “had a good innings” but now with failing eyesight and hands that can’t hold a brush, she’s had enough.
April de Angelis’ plays have been widely performed at the RSC, National Theatre and Royal Court. In After Electra she treats serious subjects with humour in a moving examination of family, exposing past events that have shaped relationships.
An informal reading is being held on Friday 17th March 2017 at 7.45pm with auditions following on 18th March at 10.30am and 7.45pm on 19th March. Performances run from 20th to 27th May 2017. Full details are available from www.chesiltheatre.org.uk.
The full cast includes:
Virgie, in her 80s, an artist who has led a Bohemian lifestyle, owns an acerbic sence of humour but has a difficult relationship with her children, especially her daughter Haydn.
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Haydn, middle-aged with an air of sadness, finds her mother a trial.
Tom, a “still handsome” actor friend in his sixties, a flirt who fancies himself as a womaniser.
Sonia, Tom’s wife who lives an independent life. An author, she has taken up bongo drumming as a hobby!
Shirley, Virgie’s younger sister, a member of the House of Lords and former headteacher, she is conventional, intelligent and sensible.
Orin, Virgie’s son, a freelance illustrator whose wife has thrown him out for his drinking and lack of employment.
Roy, a taxi driver sucked into the world of these large characters.
Miranda, one of Virgie’s young former students who has an air of calm about her.