Written and produced by AuTash Productions
Directed by Carmen Aguirre
Qur’an consultant – Salima Versi
Five Day Workshop from September 8 – 12th with a Public Reading on Saturday, September 12th to be held at Workshop West Playwrights Theatre, Edmonton, AB
Call for Actors and Mentee Director – Alberta
The workshop and reading has opportunities for Alberta-based actors and a mentee director.
About the Show:
The Night Travelling Star is the title of chapter 86 of the holy Qur’an.
From Approaching the Qur’an by Michael Sells:
“In pre-Islamic poetry, “the tending of the stars” became a major motive of night contemplation and meditation over lost loves, dangers of the journey, and human destiny.
The night traveler appeared frequently in pre-Islamic poetry. Much travel took place at night, when the weather was less severe and the stars served as guides. The arrival of one who traveled by night was a moment of mystery, anticipation, and danger. It could bring trouble. It could bring news of friends and loved ones. “
In this play, four Muslim women embark on an epic journey into the desert following the night star and leaving the comfort and safety of their community. Fatimeh, an orphan, commits an act of rebellion and defiance and is excommunicated from the community into the desert. Maryam, the daughter of the deceased Imam, follows Fatimeh after refusing to abide by the community’s traditions. Sabira, Maryam’s mother, has no choice but to join Aisha, the community’s only doctor, to find the girls and bring them back. Meanwhile, the community is reeling over the loss of the women and Nusrat, the Muezzin, is forced to find the women and bring them back. Do the women return? Or do they decide to continue their journey?
Acting Roles to be Cast:
Fatimeh (she/they): An orphan, late teens/early 20s.
Maryam (she/her):A few years older than Fatimeh. The Imam’s daughter.
Sabira (she/her): Maryam’s mother.
Aisha (she/her): Maryam’s aunt, the Imam’s sister, a doctor.
Nusrat (he/him): The muezzin (double cast with Bilal).
Bilal (he/him): Maryam’s fiancé and the soon-to-be Imam.
The producers will give preference to Edmonton-based actors. Please note that Fatimeh, Maryam and Sabira all wear the hijab; however, Aisha does not. Knowledge of the Qur’an is an asset.
Director Mentee:
We are looking for Muslim, female identifying individuals who are interested in learning about the theatre workshopping process and direction of a public reading from acclaimed playwright, actor, and director Carmen Aguirre. In addition, the mentee director will also offer feedback on the characters and the Muslim faith ensuring authenticity. Knowledge of the Qur’an is an asset.
Submission Process:
ACTORS:
- Submit your resume and headshot to autashproductions@gmail.com. Please indicate which character(s) you’re interested in reading for. The producers will provide you with a monologue script by return email.
- Record an audition tape based on the monologue, using whatever format or equipment you’re comfortable with, and submit this to the producers as a link or as a manageable video file.
OR
Request an in-person audition to be held on Sunday, June 14th from 3 – 6 pm in Edmonton. - Selected artists will be contacted for further auditions and discussions. A full script is available upon request.
- Performers will be engaged under CAEA DOT 2026 or equivalent contracts for one week, which will be comprised of 4 full days of workshop readings and 1 day of rehearsal and public reading.
MENTEE DIRECTOR:
- Please submit resumes with references. Selected artists will be contacted for further discussions. A full script is available upon request.
- Mentee will be engaged as an Assistant Director under CAEA DOT 2026 or equivalent contract for two weeks.
Please email all submissions and/or questions to AuTashProductions@gmail.com
