by Angus Cerini

Directed by Paul Dineen

Audition dates:

• Wednesday 5th February
• Thursday 6th February
• Recalls: Sunday 9th January

Production dates:

• 20 - 24 May

• Sides will be provided in advance. Familiarity with the material is encouraged but memorisation is not required.
• Accents are not expected at the first audition. Auditions will focus on bold, honest performances in a supportive space.

Rehearsals and Performances:

Rehearsals:

• Begin mid March.
• Typically held 2–3 weekday evenings and Sunday afternoons or evenings.
• Flexibility will be required closer to performances.

Performances:

• May 20–24, 2025, at Putney Arts Theatre.
• Six performances, including a Saturday matinee.

About the Play:

In a dirt-dry Australian town, a gunshot shatters the night. A mother and her daughters have just welcomed home the man of the house—with a crack to the shins and a bullet to the neck.

Described as “dangerous, deep, and devastatingly beautiful,” this gripping Australian Gothic murder ballad tells the story of three women who take brutal revenge on an abusive patriarch. It is a taut, razor-sharp revenge drama that blends lyrical beauty with dark humour, unflinchingly examining violence, family, and justice.

Since its 2015 Sydney premiere, The Bleeding Tree has earned multiple awards and critical acclaim, with a 2017 Sydney Theatre Company remount solidifying its reputation as one of the most powerful Australian works of the decade. Its 2024 UK premiere at Southwark Playhouse received glowing reviews.

Running Time: 60–70 minutes. All three actors remain on stage throughout

Characters:

We are seeking three actors who identify as women. All actors must be over 18 at the time rehearsals commence.

Mother - Playing age: 30+ Pragmatic and fiercely protective, the mother is shaped by years of abuse. Resourceful and decisive, she takes the ultimate step to protect her daughters. Beneath her tough exterior lies a raw vulnerability as she grapples with the fallout of her actions. The role requires balancing strength, emotional depth, and sharp humour.

Daughter 1 - Playing age: 16–30 Fiery and defiant, the eldest daughter is driven by a fierce sense of justice. Protective yet combative with her younger sister, she exudes boldness and bravado while carrying deep-seated trauma. The actor must capture her intensity and complexity.

Daughter 2 -Playing age: 16–30 Quieter and introspective, the younger daughter reveals strength in her understated intensity. Torn between guilt and survival, she navigates profound moments of clarity and resilience amid the chaos. This role demands a nuanced, emotionally layered performance.

Additional Information:

Accents: Australian accents are required for the performance; vocal coaching will be provided. Themes: The play contains strong depictions of violence. Please consider this before auditioning. Fees: A £30 show fee is required, along with paid membership of Putney Theatre Company, which provides access to reduced ticket prices and other creative opportunities. There is no cost to audition. Diversity & Inclusion: We welcome performers of all backgrounds, ethnicities, and abilities to audition.

Director’s Comment:

The Bleeding Tree remains as powerful and relevant today as at its premiere. In 2025, conversations about gendered violence, resilience, and justice are more urgent than ever. This play shines a stark light on the trauma of domestic abuse and the extraordinary strength shown by its survivors.

With its dark humour and casual irreverence, this uniquely Australian story amplifies horror by juxtaposing brutality with wit. It captures resilience forged in harsh landscapes, where humour becomes a defiant, deeply human shield.

I’m excited to bring this extraordinary play to life with a talented cast and creative team.

For questions or to register your interest, please contact: Paul Dineen at pjdineen@gmail.com

PLEASE NOTE

We are committed to improving diversity in our casting, and unless stated for artistic reasons, we aim to actively adopt an inclusive casting policy.

This is an amateur production. You do not need to be a member of Putney Theatre Company to audition, but actors and crew will need to become a member of Putney Theatre Company to take part in the show for £30 a year. A  £30 show fee will also need to be paid by all actors in the production. We encourage you to become a member of PTC anyway, even if not cast. 

Our company is run by volunteers and we expect all actors cast in a play to volunteer for Front of House duties at least once a year. Our shows could not go up without our Front of House volunteers.