News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Cookeville Performing Arts Center is hosting auditions for its Backstage Series production of “The Half-Life of Marie Curie,” by Lauren Gunderson.
Cultural Arts Coordinator Kimberly Frick-Welker said that auditions on Monday are for the two roles in the show directed by Steve Gwilt.
“It delves into the friendship of two extraordinary women, both scientists,” Frick-Welker said. “We had Marie Curie at the time period this is around 1911-1914, her husband has passed away, she’s going through a difficult time, so she hides out at her friend’s house, Hertha, she’s also a scientist, an engineer, and a suffragist.”
Frick-Welker said that the show is looking for two actresses between the ages of 40 and 60 to portray Marie Curie and Hertha Ayrton. She said that while it’s not required in auditions, actresses will be expected to have accents in the show.
“Hertha would have an English accent,” Frick-Welker said. “Marie, she’s Polish-born, lives in Paris, but I believe the director is going to go with more of the Polish accent so just be aware that that would be a requirement if you were cast in the play. But just be open to stepping outside of your comfort zone and having some fun.”
Frick-Welker said that the story is Marie Curie is one that’s still relevant over 100 years later.
“It deals with the challenges of being an intelligent woman in a man’s world,” Frick-Welker said. “Both of these women were recognized for their talent but not received in the same way a man would have been. And we’re still dealing with that today, aren’t we?”
Frick-Welker said the rehearsal process will be about five weeks, with rehearsals Sunday through Thursday evening. She said the show will open in January.
