H. S. Fernandez is seeking to cover three roles for his upcoming production of 48 Nights in Helsinki.
Genre: Drama/Tragedy
Duration: 1 hour
Cast size: 4 performers (2 male, 2 female)
HOW TO AUDITION
1) Read the description of the play and characters, and check that you are available for the required dates. (See below.)
2) Have a look at the script, and select a passage of your choice. The script is available HERE.
3) Read the instructions for the video submission. (See below.)
4) Submit a 3-minute (max) video to actingbrilliant@gmail.com no later than midnight on 25 June.
5) By auditioning, you agree to joining the Finn-Brit Players if cast and acknowledge that you are taking part in is a non-paid amateur production.
If you are unable to attach the video to your message, upload it to Google Drive or any other online service and send the link to the above email.
PAYMENTS
Please note that the Finn-Brit Players is an amateur theatre company and this is not paid work but an opportunity for actors to practice their hobby. If cast, you will have to be a member of the society to participate in the production. Annual membership (February 2025–February 2026) is 50€ standard and 25€ concessions.
THE PLAY
This is a poignant tale of two fractured souls, Zoe and Ian, whose paths intertwine in ways that are both beautiful and tragic. One is a woman without boundaries, and the other, a man shackled by all the wrong ones. Born from the ashes of severe childhood trauma, they embody a paradox: two people whose pieces fit together perfectly, yet for all the reasons they shouldn’t.
Zoe, shaped by the oppressive shadow of a narcissistic mother and haunted by the void left by her father’s disappearance during her infancy, carries the scars of childhood abuse. Her understanding of love is distorted, moulded through the crucible of her hardships. In her search for connection, she finds solace in fleeting friendships and acquaintances, yet remains eternally guarded.
Ian, on the other hand, is a man forged in the fires of parental abandonment and family violence. His life is a testament to the absence of boundaries, a lack that leaves him yearning for acceptance and love at any cost. With his self-esteem de-facto shattered, he is a pleaser, desperately seeking validation from those around him, unaware that his quest will lead him down a treacherous path.
The stage is set for a tumultuous dance between the avoidant Zoe and the anxiously attached Ian. A push-and-pull dynamic unfolds that threatens to unravel their very beings, compelling them to confront the truths they’ve long avoided. In the midst of their intense connection, they discover a profound love that transcends their individual pain. Yet, the very foundation of their relationship is built upon the fragile scaffolding of self-delusion—a misguided hope that they can heal one another.
As their relationship teeters on the brink of destruction, they find themselves stripped bare, left with nothing but their own reflections. It is in this desolation that they begin the arduous journey inward, seeking the answers they once believed they could find in each other’s embrace.
The title, 48 Nights in Helsinki, symbolizes the fleeting nature of their time together—an intimate connection that shared just 48 nights amidst a span of two years. While the clock ticked on the calendar, those precious nights held the weight of a lifetime, encapsulating both the beauty and tragedy of a love that ultimately could not save them.
In a world where everyone longs for connection, Zoe and Ian remind us that true healing must come from within. Their story is a testament to the complexities of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of understanding oneself in the chaos of human emotion.
CHARACTER DESCRIPTIONS
Zoe (covered) – A young woman in her mid-to-late 20s. She suffers from a past of abuse and a childhood spent in insecurity and emotional transactions. She comes across as deeply charming, sensitive, generous, sensual and easy-going, yet her facade hides a much broken individual who hides behind her insecurities and needs for validation. As much as she desires it, physical contact frightens her as she struggles with accountability and consistency. Her primary reaction when faced with potential self-reflection or the slightest possibility of having to accept responsibility for a mistake makes her withdraw and avoid contact.
Ian (available) – A man in his early-to-mid 40s. He suffers from a lack of boundaries borne of a critically low self-esteem, which he has carried since a difficult childhood in an emotionally and physically abusive environment which was the troubled relationship between his parents.
Furthermore, the lack of voice he experienced in said environment fostered his perceived need to earn attention and affection, thus feeding his “people-pleasing” tendencies, often vastly overrunning his own needs.
A loved one’s withdrawal is interpreted by him as his own fault, and a need to “try harder” to earn that person’s love and attention.
Rob (available) – Ian’s best friend and confidant. A grounded, simple individual, has the distinct ability to speak with crystal-clear logic, although he is not always listened to by Ian. Rob has an uncanny capacity to see through Ian’s own self-deceit and offer clarity when Ian cannot. Ian speaks directly and without grandeur, and exercises patience in extreme towards Ian, given their bond.
Kya (available) – Zoe’s friend. A very average, modern woman caught in the “fashionable tendencies and obsessions” of her era in terms of gender stereotypes, fashion and an eternal desire to “look good” at all times and at all costs. She offers scant advice to Zoe beyond a mild form of gaslighting that usually plays on Zoe’s fears of being socially excluded. Kya has no true regard for Zoe, but is rather consumed with a need to maintain a “status quo” and a perceived “aspect” in front of others. Zoe is a part of this “aspect” given her dashing beauty. In many ways, Kya represents Zoe’s narcissistic mother.
INSTRUCTIONS FOR VIDEO SUBMISSION
You may read the script or recite from memory, but focus on the creation of the character and the transmission of emotions. This is a very gritty tale and emotions are at the top of the list. Your capacity to transmit these emotions is essential to the performance.
You should be fully visible in the shot.
If you are unable/unwilling to submit a video, please contact me at the address above and we can set up a face-to-face audition.
AVAILABILITY
You MUST be available for the following dates, If you are absent 3 times maximum, that’s not a problem, but it must be discussed/agreed in advance via email.
Sat 12 July @ 18:30–21:30 (orientation meeting and readthrough)
Fri 8 Aug @ TBA (evening rehearsal)
Sat 9 Aug @ TBA (rehearsal)
Tue 12 Aug @ TBA (evening rehearsal)
Thurs 14 Aug @ TBA (rehearsal)
SAT 16 Aug @ 12–15 (rehearsal)
TUE 19 @ TBA (rehearsal)
THU 21 @ TBA (rehearsal)
SAT 23 @ 16–19 (rehearsal)
TUE 26 @ TBA (evening rehearsal)
FRI 29 @ TBA (evening rehearsal)
FRI 29 @ TBA (evening rehearsal)
Sun 31 @ TBA (rehearsal)
Tue 2 Sept @ TBA (evening rehearsal)
Thurs 4 Sept @ TBA (evening rehearsal)
Sat 6 Sept – afternoon &/ evening performance
Sun 7 Sept – evening performance
Sun 14 Sep – evening performance
VENUE
The performances will be at the NoName Theatre. Some rehearsals will take place at the NoName Theatre, while others will be held elsewhere. More info during the casting process.