THE AUDITION

The first eye contact can change things completely. A convincing sounding story can fall to pieces, or a thin, tenuous, even bogus sounding application can gain weight if you meet a sincere, steady gaze.

The audition is a multi-authored work exploring the experience of the refugee in Australia through the conceit of the idea of the audition. My piece was called ‘You made us a promise what you told us today would be true’ and it explored the delicate relationship between applicants for permanent residency and the officer, the sole person who holds their life in his hands. Directed by Irine Vela. Concept by Irine Vela. Written by Christos Tsiolkas, Melissa Reeves, Milad Norouzi, Patricia Cornelius, Sahra Davoudi, Tes Lyssiotis and  Wahibe Moussa.

Cover photo: Sahra Davoudi and Peter Paltos in The Audition. Photo - Miguel Rios

PRODUCTIONS:

Outer Urban Projects –

The courthouse 2019

Victorian Tour 2024

Directed by Irine Vela.

“Electrifying theatre… the work shimmers, mirage-like, between asylum seekers claiming protection and actors preparing to audition, with cognate politics and piercing resonance.” Cameron Woodhead, The Age.

“The humour is double edged, the emotions piercing. This is political theatre that rises fare above…” Michael Brindley, Stage Whispers.