Thespians Welcome: Casting Call for Stage Play 'Five Lions'

Vincent R. Vinci, Contributing Editor | Apr 6, 2024 11:30 am | Add a comment | 104 reads

Calling all Beijing-based thespians and fans of theatre! Casting and recruitment are now open for a play with an environmentalist focus, and it’s set to be performed at a major drama festival this July.

The play in question, Five Lions, tells a story about the importance of the environment and animal protection, and has received support from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), for its importance. Organizers are looking to recruit actors and actresses with theater experience, as well as a crew for stage design, lighting, and other matters.

We recently spoke with Five Lions playwright and artistic director Icarus to find out more about the play, its message, and the coming performances.

What is the play Five Lions about and how did you come up with the idea for the story?
Five Lions tells the story of a journalist who saved five mistreated lions with the help of readers, animal lovers, and various organizations. It is based on a true story that took place in 1994, thirty years ago. The real life journalist is my good friend Tracey Eaton, who used to write for the Dallas Morning News. I received many first-hand materials from Eaton, which allowed me to adapt this story as a stage play. Our play made its debut in the Penghao Theater in Beijing on Dec 27 last year.

So this play gets a boost to its environmental message with support from the World Wildlife Fund (WWF). What’s the significance of this support and has it helped to spread the message?
During our debut last year, we invited representatives from WWF to watch our performance and they gave us a lot of feedback. We had a deeper talk in their office in January this year, and are planning some drama-related activities with the group. This means that Five Lions is beyond a stage play. Our troupe members are making strides in environmental and animal protection activities in everyday life.

Tell us more about the PRISM MINI Theater Festival. Is this the first time Five Lions will be performed at such a festival?
The PRISM MINI Theater Festival is one of the most influential drama festivals in Beijing and is supported by Broadway China. 2024 marks the sixth PRISM MINI Theater Festival. It’s the first time that Five Lions will be performed there. We plan to make more changes based on the first show last year, and we are ready to amaze our audiences!

So who are you looking for to take part in the play? Is acting experience expected?
Right now our troupe has around 20 members. We have photographers, interpreters and many backstage staff. All of them are my good friends and we cooperated perfectly last year. Our play will be performed from Jun 8-10 during the Dragon Boat Festival. We have two months to go through rehearsals before then. Our specific needs for new troupe members are as follows:

Actors:
We need nine actors and actresses with theatre and song and dance experience preferred. They will be expected to attend at least one rehearsal per week (2-3 hours per rehearsal).

Stage Designer:
People with theatre experience are preferred.

Composer & Musicians:
Any type of music is welcomed

Choreography:
Any type of dance is welcomed

Graphic Designer:
We will design posters and gifts for audience members

Volunteers:
We welcome volunteers who like drama and plays.

The Five Lions team will host a recruitment meeting on Saturday, Apr 13 at 3pm at Shizhubowen Cafe. Those interested in taking part in or helping out with the play can join their WeChat group or add the producer's WeChat (QR codes below). You can also contact the organizers via email at yuee2031@163.com