Zora! Let The People Sing!
Location: Atlanta, GA
Type: Theater
“Zora! Let The People Sing!” is about the life and times of Zora Neale Hurston. The play begins in her home town of Eatonville, FL during the early 1900’s. There Zora relives the determination of her mother’s refusal to raise her as a “mealy-mouthed rag doll” while dodging the strict hand of her Ministerial father.
Using her fierce intellect Zora gains admission to Howard University where she meets Alain Locke, architect of the Harlem Renaissance. It isn’t long before her colorful stories of tall tales from home garner recognition and awards amongst the literary elite. Soon she is knee deep and belly full within the concrete jungle on a journey to literary fame.
With friends such as Langston Hughes, Countee Cullen, and Wallace Thurman, Zora instills her place as a fixture of the period. Her controversial opinions both angered and inspired those within her presence but the slick of her tongue kept them coming back for more. With poetry, songs, folktales, and a good old time, “Zora! Let The People Sing!” gives you a front seat to a woman that’s now lauded as an intellectual and spiritual foremother to a generation of African American women and writers.
Character Breakdown:
Zora Neale Hurston
Role Type: Lead
Gender: Female
Age Range: 26-38
Ethnicity: African American, African Descent
Description: With a smile on her face, Zora never meets a stranger and every person she encounters is charmed by her grand personality. She is courageous and doesn’t hesitate to set you in your place.
CNA
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: Female
Age Range: 20-30
Ethnicity: African American, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race, African Descent
Description: Having fallen on hard times she finds herself working at the nursing home where her favorite author resides. She is full of wonder and inquisitive to know more about the woman the world seems to have forgotten.
Lucy Ann Hurston
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: Female
Age Range: 30-45
Ethnicity: African American, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race
Description: She’s not a “mealy mouthed rag doll” and she doesn’t intend on raising her daughters to be ones either. Lucy is not afraid to break the norm even if it means leaving family and friends behind.
John Hurston
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: N/A
Age Range: 30-45
Ethnicity: All Ethnicities
Description: Born much before his time, John, is extremely old fashioned and believe that a woman’s place is quietly behind her husband. His large voice instantly commands the attention of anyone within hearing distance.
Langston Hughes
Role Type: Lead
Gender: Male
Age Range: 25-35
Ethnicity: African American, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race
Description: Langston knows what it is to be a victim of stereotype yet he uses what is meant to discourage for his good. There is a literary revival taking place and this poet intends to be a part of it.
Countee Cullen
Role Type: Lead
Gender: Transgender Male
Age Range: 20-35
Ethnicity: African American, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race
Description: Without hesitation Countee quickly informs you his name is pronounced “Coun-tay”, not “Coun-tee”. This poet and scholar uses his gift to unapologetically highlight the injustices against African Americans.
Abe Lewis
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: Transgender Male
Age Range: 25-40
Ethnicity: African American, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race, African Descent
Description: Front porches are made for sitting and that’s where you’ll find Abe Lewis and Bob Wiley. The two are thick as thieves and have a story for every moment. Life is full of humor and they keep you laughing every step of the way.
Bob Wiley
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: Male
Age Range: 25-40
Ethnicity: African American, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race, African Descent
Description: Front porches are made for sitting and that’s where you’ll find Abe Lewis and Bob Wiley. The two are thick as thieves and have a story for every moment. Life is full of humor and they keep you laughing every step of the way.
Carl Van Vetchen
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: Male
Age Range: 25-43
Ethnicity: Caucasian, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race
Description: Carl’s love for the arts begins with his keen eye for capturing the essence of every moment. He uses his influence to assist African American writers throughout the Harlem Renaissance.
Annie
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: Female
Age Range: 30-45
Ethnicity: Caucasian, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race
Description: If you’re looking for a pity party then Annie’s not the person to speak with. Self-educated, Annie read all of Charles Dickens works by the age of seven and was the founder of the first liberal arts college for women in the US.
Millie
Role Type: Supporting
Gender: Female
Age Range: 20-30
Ethnicity: African American, Ethnically Ambiguous / Mixed Race, African Descent
Description: With a walk the causes committed eyes to stray Millie has a long list of proposals that she has no intention of accepting. She’s in no hurry to rush life along and is enjoying every minute of it.
Payment: Non Paid
City or Location of call: Atlanta, GA
Please submit to: NDCProdInfo@gmail.com
This casting notice was posted by: Nykieria Chaney