Ben David Garza is proud to present a production of Bloody Haymarket, an original historical theatrical production about a bomb that exploded May 4th 1886 at a labor rally in Chicago and incited the Haymarket Riot. This incident resulted in America's first red scare, a show trial, and ultimately the hanging of four men for the crime of conspiracy to commit murder; without ever indicting the bomb-thrower.

The play is set for a six week run (possibly longer) at the Irish American Cultural Center in Chicago starting in April 2016; including a special performance on May 4, 2016 (the anniversary of the bombing).

Note: These are all actual people with much information available about them on the web. There are a number of characters with a line or two, where the actors will play multiple roles. Aside from those parts, we are looking for the following characters:

In addition to a whole slew of extras any age and gender and ethnicity, both on stage and in the audience (to provoke the theater-goers), the following roles are available:

Albert Parsons - The play's lead spoke in a sonorous way, stringing words together like musical notes. Chased out of Texas by the Klan, Albert fled to Chicago with his wife and began fomenting the social revolution. Known for being long-winded and for his unwavering optimism. Albert returned from exile in Wisconsin after the bombing to face conspiracy charges alongside his fellow comrades with a naive belief in the American justice system. A little more than a year later he was hanged by the neck until dead

Lucy Waller Parsons -- African American Female (20 and 35). A bold, beautiful, and fearless African-American woman. Albert Parsons' wife. Has many scenes and has to have wide emotional range. Pivotal character, who is at the plays heart. Sassy. Married to the white man. Originally from Texas. She claimed to be Native American and Hispanic. A leader and an activist. She was instrumental in the Chicago social revolution.

Adolph Fischer -- (Caucasian male 25-35) A German radical heavily involved in the movement) radical with a rough background like the others. He is heavily involved in the movement and is uncompromising about his beliefs. His last words on the gallows; "this is the happiest day of my life. Hurray for Anarchy!"

August Spies -- (Caucasian Male 25-35) Prolific German labor agitator

George Engel -- (Caucasian Male 25-45) He has a mild and genial way; more like a waiter in Wursthaus than an Anarchist toy maker and dedicated insurrectionist. He has a monologue and lines in a few other scenes.

Police Superintendent Hickey - Hickey speaks in a brow-beating, officious, insulting tone. He has one dialogue heavy scene.

Captain Michael Schaack - an eager up and comer in the Chicago Police Department; Chief Inspector Bonfield's right hand man. Has a dialogue scene.

Louis Lingg -- (Caucasian Male 18-25) The most radical of the Anarchists. He has an angry monologue before being sentenced by the judge in which he concludes, "I despise you, your laws, your force propped authority, hang me for it!" Commits suicide while in jail. Must be able to do a German accent.

Potter Palmer -- (Caucasian Male any age over 40) Marshall Field's mentor and a powerful presence in Chicago business circles.

Mayor Carter Harrison -- (Caucasian male any age over 40). He is a robust, smooth, and well-liked mayor. He is the glue that holds the city together. Of Kentucky origin, the mayor dresses in silk suits, sports a salt and peppered beard, and black slouch hat tipped rakishly. Is in two scenes; one with short dialogue.

Captain William Ward (Caucasian male 25-45) - An officer who preaches peace and defusing of potentially volatile situations is chastised repeatedly for it by commanding officer. Ward is a man who empathizes with the immigrants.

Judge Joseph Gary -- (Caucasian male any age over 40) A stoic figure who helps the chief prosecutor stack evidence against the Anarchists. A malleable figure who surrounds himself with beautiful women. He is apathetic to court proceedings.

Captain Black -- (Caucasian Male any age over 35). The head defense attorney, a civil war veteran and a man who has a lot to lose by defending the anarchists. A man who rides an emotional roller coaster of disbelief throughout the proceedings and clemency campaign; a man who never gives up hope until the very end. He is the arbiter of several dialogue scenes.