Rona Munro (adapted from the original Louis de Bernières novel)
On a sun-drenched Greek island during World War II, the lives of villagers are forever altered by the arrival of occupying forces and the unlikely romance that blossoms between a spirited local woman and an Italian officer. Sweeping, lyrical, and achingly beautiful, this adaptation of de Bernières’ beloved novel is a moving celebration of music, memory, and the resilience of love in the face of war.
Saturday, 20 June – Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street, Rozelle, 9am – 3pm
Sunday 21 June – Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street Rozelle, 9am – 3pm
Tuesday 23 June – Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street Rozelle, 7pm – 9.30pm
[Other dates as necessary]
Auditions by Appointment: Email CV, Role Auditioning for and preferred audition day to: mandolin@genesiantheatre.com.au
Cast: We will be looking for a cast of around 15. Most cast members will double characters, including Greek, Italian and German Soldiers and Villagers. The piece is music heavy so singing or musical ability would be of interest as would physical theatre/mime skills.
NOTE FOR ACTORS: This will be an unpaid production. Please note the Genesian Theatre is a registered charity and amateur group, as such this is an unpaid production, however we endeavour for professional standard production values and a great learning experience. You must be 18 and above to audition. Actors wishing to have Agents attend are welcome to a comp ticket.
Dr IANNIS: Pelagia’s educated, pragmatic father and the local doctor, serving as a pillar of the community. Loves to write the history of the island. He has a strong relationship with his daughter, and wants her to be educated also.
PELAGIA: The smart, strong-willed daughter of Dr. Iannis. She is the one who looks after the domestics, but at the same time watches her father at work so she too can learn. The three loves in her life, her father, Mandras and later Corelli.
MANDRAS: Pelagia’s first fiancé, a handsome but uneducated fisherman who loves the ocean and the dolphins. He can be easily led and later he becomes a hardened, idealistic partisan soldier. He truly loves Pelagia and tries hard to keep her.
CARLO: Well built and secretly closeted man in the Italian army. Develops strong feelings for Francesco and then sacrifices himself for Corelli in a final act of bravery. Acts as a partial narrator. He strongly believes that love will conquer no matter what happens.
FRANCESCO: Gentle, humorous young married corporal in the Julia Division. He does not want to kill anyone and struggles in the face of war. Adopts a mouse as a distraction from the war. He is not mentally strong and eventually does break down in the face of the horrors of war.
LEMONI: Lemoni is a young girl who flits around the village. She cares for animals, loves Pelagia and the doctor. She is quick thinking and learns when to be smart especially during the occupation.
CAPT CORELLI: A music-loving, kind-hearted Italian officer who brings his mandolin and humanist outlook to occupied Cephalonia. He doesn’t see the point of fighting and does not want to be in Greece. He wins over the trust of the doctor and eventually falls in love with Pelagia.
DROSOULA: Mandras’s mother, tough and doesn’t hold back. She has suffered in life and holds onto her son with hope for a better future. After Mandras leaves she acts as a maternal figure for Pelagia. A bit of a dragon at times and likes to insult Velisarios, even if it is in jest.
VELISARIOS: Velisarios is the strongman in Pelagia’s village. Despite his massive size and impressive strength, he’s kind and gentle. He has strong political views in the beginning, but shifts his beliefs as life goes on. He secretly likes Drosoula.
GOAT: Yup – an animal! She/he is Pelagia’s companion. She follows Pelagia around as if protecting her.
GUNTER: Senior German Officer. He develops a good friendship with Corelli but ultimately has to make the hardest decision as a senior officer.
PRIEST: The village priest who struggles with the moral challenges of the war.
Rehearsals: Rehearsal commitment will generally be two weeknights and one weekend day according to a schedule. The fortnight prior to opening will be much more intense as we bump into the Theatre. Please note that the Genesian is a volunteer run community Theatre and whilst we aim for professional standards, cast and crew are not paid.
Rehearsals will be conducted at our rehearsal space in Marrickville (MARS) or our theatre in Rozelle. Production Weeks, with Tech & Dress rehearsals will take place Sun 23rd August (bump in) to 5th September (Preview) – these are compulsory dates for all cast and crew. (Schedule will be shared early in rehearsals to allow planning, you won’t be called every night but some flexibility is needed!)
Performances:
Preview: Friday, 4 September 2026
Opening: Saturday, 5 September 2026
Closing: Saturday, 10 October 2026
Bump Out: Sunday, 11 October 2026.
Performances: Every Friday / Saturday at 7.30pm, and Sunday at 4.30pm
All performances at our new theatre, 2B Gordon St, Rozelle.
Running for 17 shows, across a 5 week run.
Saturday, 20 June – Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street, Rozelle, 9am – 3pm
Sunday 21 June – Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street Rozelle, 9am – 3pm
Tuesday 23 June – Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street Rozelle, 7pm – 9.30pm
[Other dates as necessary]
Genesian Theatre, 2B Gordon Street, Rozelle
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