Welcome to open auditions for Tiger at the Gates (The Trojan War Will Not Take Place) by Jean Giraudoux, translated by Christopher Fry.
Auditions will be held at the NoName Theatre Helsinki on Sunday, 28 September at 13:00-17:00. Please note that you must register in advance in order to participate.
See below if you are unable to attend, but still wish to be considered.
THE PLAY
Tiger at the Gates is a darkly comedic retelling of the story of the Trojan War. After Paris had abducted Helen, Hector is trying to do everything he can to prevent the war with the Greeks. He negotiates with his family, the city elders, Helen, and the Greek ambassadors. But the forces of fate and people’s folly stand in his way. The play explores themes of pacifism, war, desire, and destiny. Written after World War I and right before the outbreak of World War II, it is a brutal indictment of those who crave war and all those who fail to stop it.
CURRENTLY OPEN ACTING ROLES
Note on the casting: While some of the roles are listed as M or F, they may be cast as drag. For example, Demokos, the Topman, Olpides and the Mathematician may be played by women in male drag. Cassandra may be played as gender nonconforming.
Hector – Military leader and prince of Troy (M)
Andromache – His wife (F)
Cassandra – A prophetess (F/GN)
Priam – King of Troy (M)
Hecuba – Queen of Troy (F)
Demokos – a Trojan poet (M/GN)
Paris – Prince of Troy (M)
Helen – Greek queen abducted by Paris (F)
Ulysses/Abneos – Leader of the Greeks/ Trojan statesman (M)
Ajax/Busiris – A captain in the Greek army /a Lawyer (M)
Topman /Servant – a Trojan sailor (GN)
Olpides/ Mathematician – a Trojan sailor/a Trojan mathematician (GN)
BACKSTAGE TEAM
Tech operator (light and sound)
Familiarity with NNT’s lighting and sound systems is an advantage, but training can also be provided. Must be available and present for all the mandatory dates listed below.
AVAILABILITY
MANDATORY DATES
Sun 12 April – tech rehearsal (afternoon)
Mon 13 April – dress rehearsal (eve)
Fri 17 April –evening performance (7 pm)
Sat 18 April – evening performance (7 pm)
Sun 19 April – evening performance (7 pm)
Sat 25 April – evening performance (7 pm)
Sun 26 April – evening performance (7 pm)
READTHROUGH & ORIENTATION
Sun 5 October (12–4 pm)
REHEARSALS
Starting from 5 October, rehearsals will be held on Sundays 12–4 pm. Due to the size of the cast, we will start in smaller groups (2-3 actors, depending on availability) in October/November. The main rehearsals start in November on Sundays 12–4 pm. There may be an occasional rehearsal on Tuesday or Thursday between January and April, if there is need for extra rehearsing.
PAYMENTS
Please note that both the Finn-Brit Players and Soup Troupe are amateur theatre companies and this is not paid work but an opportunity for people to practice their hobby. If chosen, you will have to be a member to participate in the production. Annual FBP membership (February 2025–February 2026) is 50€ standard and 25€ concessions.
HOW TO AUDITION
1) Read the sections on “Availability” and “Payments” to ensure that this is the right production for you.
2) Fill out the audition form HERE by Saturday 27 September.
3) After registering, you will receive an email with more information about the audition schedule and any preparatory material.
INTERESTED BUT CAN’T ATTEND?
1) Fill out the audition form HERE and we’ll get back to you with the options.
CONTACT
Please email producer(at)finnbritplayers.com if you have any general queries.
VENUE
The auditions and performances will be at the NoName Theatre. Rehearsals will take place at the NoName Theatre as of 30 November. Earlier rehearsals will take place elsewhere at a venue TBD.