“Naga Mandala” Theater Performance in Sarasota, FL

DESCRIPTION

We are currently casting for the male lead role of ‘Appanna/Naga’. This is an exceptional opportunity for an actor with a background in musical theatre, dance, or movement who is eager to undertake an intense, dramatic character.

This role is particularly rich in complexity and significance, making it pivotal to the narrative.

Local, non-union actors from the Sarasota, FL area are encouraged to submit resumes along with video audition links for the following roles. PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO LOCAL ACTORS OR THOSE WITH FAMILY IN THE SARASOTA, FL AREA, AND WHO WILL NOT REQUIRE HOUSING ASSISTANCE. PLEASE SPECIFY IF YOU CAN BE LOCAL FOR REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES FROM JAN. 17 TO MID-MARCH 2026, OR IF YOU WILL NEED SUPPORT FOR HOUSING AND TRANSPORTATION TO BE CONSIDERED.

Rehearsals will run from Jan. 17 to March 12, 2026, with the production opening on March 13, 2026. There will be four performances, concluding on March 15, 2026, with the possibility of an additional weekend (March 20-22).

ROLE: Appanna/Naga

Male, ages ‘20s to ‘30s — open to any ethnicity. Appanna translates to “Any Man,” while Naga refers to “The Cobra.” This dual role demands movement and dance experience. The character is dramatic, intense, and poetic, displaying sinewy grace and swift reflexes. An actor must convey a broad spectrum of emotions, as Appanna and Naga appear identical but embody contrasting traits of cruelty and kindness, anger and boundless love. Appanna is Rani’s husband; Naga is a king cobra enchanted by Rani, assuming her husband’s form to visit her. Appanna is in conflict with himself and the world, while Naga represents the essence of love.

Storyline: The play ‘Naga-Mandala’ unfolds amidst ancient ruins. In the prologue, we meet a Man grappling with his mortality, cursed to remain awake through an entire night or face death. He is a playwright who has lulled audiences to sleep with his plays, and now, this “abused mass of sleep” has turned against him, manifesting as the “Curse of Death.” Seeking refuge in a desolate location to stay awake until dawn, he vows never to write again. Suddenly, in a magical moment, ‘flames’ floating in the air descend, and the Man, hiding, observes them—believed to gather to gossip about human lives. Among these flames is ‘Story Wrapped in Song,’ who, feeling despondent, cannot share her tale. The Man reaches out, promising to listen all night, as his life depends on it. Thus begins a play within a play, chronicling the tale of Rani, with her long black hair cascading like a cobra’s hood; her husband Appanna, battling his inner demons; and the King Cobra (Naga), enamored by Rani. By the play’s conclusion, we’ll witness a mesmerizing story of love and transformation, rekindling the Man’s inspiration and passion for storytelling as he confronts the night’s challenges.

DURATION

SALARY