Humanity's oldest recorded story is reborn on stage as a breathtaking, high-fantasy theatrical epic. This sweeping production follows Gilgamesh, the tyrannical god-king of Uruk, whose life is irrevocably changed by the arrival of Enkidu, a wild man forged by the gods to match his unmatched strength. From intense rivalry to a legendary partnership, their bond sparks a dangerous journey across mythical realms to defeat primordial monsters. When tragedy strikes, Gilgamesh must embark on a desperate, solitary quest to the edge of the world to conquer death itself and discover the secret to true immortality.

Written by Tiffany Keane Schaefer
Directed by Jacob Watson
Movement Design by Taylor Mitchell DATES & LOCATIONS
READING AT ISAC MUSEUM
January 30th, 2027
1155 E 58th St on the University of Chicago Campus
Hyde Park, Chicago

All Other Rehearsals and Performances will take place at
The Greenhouse Theater Center
2257 N. Lincoln Ave
Chicago, IL 60614
TECH: March 1st - March 10th, 2027
OPENING: March 12th, 2027
GREENHOUSE THEATER CENTER: Thursdays - Sundays MARCH 12th - APRIL 18th, 2027

SEEKING: ACTORS FOR ENSEMBLE-DRIVEN MOVEMENT ADAPTATION OF EPIC MYTH

The Epic of Gilgamesh is the oldest surviving story in human history, born from the cradle of civilization and rooted in timeless, universal themes of love, grief, and humanity. We warmly encourage actors from all backgrounds, ages, identities, heritages, and walks of life to submit.

This production will feature stylized movement, puppetry, live music, and lyrical text. Actors with experience in any of the above are encouraged to submit. Roles are listed as the gender they appear in the original text, but do not need to remain binary. BIPOC and LGBTQ+ actors are strongly encouraged to submit for any and all roles.

ROLES
GILGAMESH | Male, 20s-30s. The King of Uruk. Two-thirds divine, one-third human. Brash, proud, and impudent. As the central figure of humanity's oldest surviving epic, Gilgamesh embodies fierce passion, destructive pride, and profound grief. To ground this ancient Mesopotamian legend in its original roots, this role is for actors connected to the story's region of origin (SWANA / Middle East, North Africa)

ENKIDU | Male, 20s/30s - Half man, half beast. Kind, innocent, honest.

NINSUN (Ninsun, Wife, Bride, others) | Female, 30s-60s - wise, respected, cautious.

SHAMHAT (Shamhat, Ishtar, Siduri) | Female, 20s-40s - powerful, impulsive, unforgiving.

UTNAPISHTIM, others | Male, 30s-60s - The only man to have ever achieved immortality. Patient, perceptive, jocular.

URSHANABI, others | any, any - the ferryman of the underworld - capable, jaded, acerbic.

HUWAWA, others /The Creatures (Huwawa, others) | any, any - wild, ancient, fearsome. *movement and puppetry skills strongly preferred

NOTES
Intimacy between Gilgamesh and Enkidu. An intimacy coordinator will be provided.

THIS PRODUCTION IS A GREAT FIT FOR ACTORS WHO ARE DRAWN TO: -Devised Work & Movement: Building a world collaboratively through high-energy ensemble movement, physical theater, and ensemble staging.
-Puppetry & Mask Work: Bringing ancient monsters, gods, and mythical beasts to life through physical object work and atmospheric puppetry.
-Mythology & Retellings: Reimagining humanity's oldest surviving epic through raw, high-sensory storytelling.
-LGBTQ+ / Deep Connection: Exploring profound partnership and the intimate bonds that shape us.
-Classical & Poetic Text: Fusing ancient poetic language with dynamic, modern performance techniques.
-Grief, Loss & Mortality: Diving deep into visceral, high-stakes emotional landscapes.

Narrative & Content Warnings
-Grief & Bereavement: Central narrative focus on severe loss, existential anxiety surrounding mortality, and prolonged, visceral mourning rituals.
-Stylized Combat & Violence: Physical depictions of wrestling, staged combat, mortal illness, and the ritualistic slaying of mythical beasts (the Bull of Heaven and Humbaba).
-Adult Themes & Sensuality: Sensual themes, depictions of intimate human connection, wild human nature, and consensual sexual awakening.
-Depictions of Tyranny: Brief opening depictions of political oppression, physical subjugation, and unchecked divine authority over human life.

Pay: $25 per show stipend