Audition Notice

The Heresy of Love

by Helen Edmundson

Audition dates - 7 and 8 December

Call backs - 14 December

Performance dates - 25 April to 3 May 2025

It’s the late 1600s; in a convent in Mexico one of the brightest women of her generation strives to reconcile her love for God with her desire for learning. A gifted and progressive writer she finds herself at the centre of a deadly battle of ideas when a new zealous, mysogynist, and ruthless Archbishop is installed. The ramifications of his appointment soon become apparent. She is celebrated by the Vice Regal Court but is determined to be silenced by the Archbishop.

Inspired by Sister Juana Ines de la Cruz’ extraordinary life the play is full of intrigue, and ambition with a bit of illicit desire. Eventually Juana is betrayed by the very people she thought she could trust. It is as funny as it is tragic; with a smattering of scheming servants, young love and power politics. Set against the backdrop of colonial Mexico. Juana's significance to different communities has varied. Having been a candidate for Catholic sainthood, a symbol of Mexican nationalism and women's rights. Making her a figure of controversy and debate to this day. Directed by Gerry McCrudden.

Characters with Acting Ages.

Sister Juana (F) 30s/40s. Learned, down to earth and engaging.
Vicereine (F) 30s/40s. Spanish noblewoman.Befriends Juana.
Mother Marguerita (F) 60s+. Abbess of the Convent. Benign.
Sister Sebastiana (F) 40s +. Scheming and jealous of Sister Juana.
Juanita (F) 30s+. Juana’s servant. Confident, energetic and fun.
Angelica (F) Late teens+. Juana’s niece. A Novice. Irrepressible.
Brigida (F) 30s +. Sister Sebastiana’s servant. Scheming.
Father Antonio (M) 60s +. Juana’s Confessor. Sympathetic.
Bishop Santa Cruz (M) 40s/50s. Ambitious, Charmingly devious.
Archbishop Aguiar (M) 50s +. A religious zealot and mysogynist.
Viceroy (M) 50s +. Nobleman. Empathetic, supportive of Juana.
Don Hernando (M) 40ish. A courtier with a roving eye.
Possibly a couple of non speaking roles. Priest and a Nun.

Performance dates: 25 April to 3 May 2025. In the Theatre Upstairs. There will be a Sunday matinee on 27 April. Audition dates: 7 and 8 Dec Call backs: 14 Dec. Please contact Production Manager - Alison McMillan Puri on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to arrange an audition slot. Audition pieces will be available on the day. Rehearsals start in mid/ late January. Initially three times a week but this will increase as we move closer to the performance date.