Lured by chance of being a star
COULD Yaegl man Jack Purcell be Australia's new generation of famous Aboriginal actors like Ernie Dingo and David Gulpilil?
Mr Purcell is seizing the opportunity to be seen by a Sydney casting agency that is looking for indigenous kids, teenagers, men and women aged between 20 and 70 years old for a new TV drama series for ABC called "The Gods of Wheat Street".
"I don't have any acting experience, but you never know, it just sounds like fun to do; something really different and to meet new people," Mr Purcell said.
The six one-hour series are being produced by Northern Rivers company Every Cloud Productions, the creators of the successful ABC programs, Miss Fisher's Murder Mysteries and East of Everything.
"We are looking for a wide variety of indigenous people for this production and they don't have to have had any acting experience," casting director Anousha Karkesh said.
"Even if they don't make the main cut we can still employ them as an extra if they are successful; they will be paid award wages.
"At this stage we only need their photo and contact details before we begin."
The series is written by Jon Bell, a Wiradjuri and Bundjalung man who grew up in Casino and trans- ports the audience into the world, hearts and humour of the Freeburns, a modern Aboriginal family of local legends who are modern-day gods living among mortals in the regional town of Casino.
The genre is realism with a touch of magic and deadpan humour that serves as an emotional pressure release, both for the characters and the audience.
The series will be filmed around Casino and Lismore in October and auditions will be held in August.
Anyone requiring more information or who would like to send a photo of him/herself with contact details can email Anousha at azarkesh@iprimus.com.au.
