The Presence of Absence (a Cuban nocturne) by Andrea O’Reilly Herrera
A world premiere performance presented at Thalia Spanish Theatre by the Cuban Cultural Center of New York. Directed by Nicole Quintana.
All initial auditions will be accepted via video submission.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Upload your audition video to YouTube and email the link to:
nicolequintanadirector@gmail.com
PLEASE INCLUDE HEADSHOT/RESUME AND LINK IN EMAIL.
WHAT TO PREPARE
Please submit one video that includes the following:
1. Slate (10–15 seconds)
Name
City of Residence
2. Performance Selection
Contemporary monologue
60–90 seconds
SUBMISSION DEADLINE
March 9, 2026
CALLBACKS
Thalia Spanish Theater, NYC
March 23–24, 2026
Time - TBD
30-minute time slots
Rehearsal Information
May 28 – June 17, 2026
Typically 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Flexible schedule; not all actors called to every rehearsal
Performance Information
June 18–21, 2026
June 25–28, 2026
ABOUT THE PLAY / SYNOPSIS
The Presence of Absence (a Cuban nocturne) is a bilingual memory play that chronicles the lives of several generations of Cuban women. Set in both pre- and post-revolutionary Cuba, the play moves fluidly through time and memory.
At its center is Margarita, an exile living in the United States who struggles to reconcile her divided identity, a traumatic past she has long suppressed, and her fear of passing her cultural heritage on to her American-born daughter, Lily. As the past and present collide, the play examines how memory, silence, and survival shape family relationships.
The work explores mental health, intergenerational trauma, and the conspiracy of silence surrounding painful histories, with particular attention to post-traumatic stress and the repression of memory as a survival mechanism. Ultimately, the play testifies to the power of forgiveness, compassion, and healing.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
All roles are open. Bilingual (Spanish/English) performers are strongly encouraged to submit where applicable.
Tata Alma/Nácar – A wise, ageless benevolent spirit. Can simply be referred to as Tata.
Adult Margarita – 42-44 (middle-aged); Rosa & Pedro Amarga, Jr.’s daughter;Lily’s mother. Also Masked Dancer.
Lily - nearly 15 (American born); Margarita’s daughter; María’s great niece; Rosa’s granddaughter; Rafaela’s great granddaughter. Also Young Margarita, nearly 15; and Masked Servant (Rosa’s luggage carrier).
María – 64-65; 37-38 in ACT I:iii; Rosa’s older sister; Rafaela and Antonio Miramar’s daughter; Margarita’s aunt; Lily’s great aunt. Also Voice #1; and Masked Dancer.
Pedro Amarga, Jr. – early 70’s; mid-30’s in ACT I:iii; Rosa’s husband; Margarita’s father; Lily’s grandfather. Also Voice #2 and Masked Dancer.
Rosa – 34; daughter of Rafaela and Antonio Miramar; sister of María; Pedro Amarga, Jr.’s wife; Margarita’s mother; Lily’s grandmother. Also Masked Dancer.
Rafaela - mid-60’s; Antonio Miramar’s wife; Rosa and María’s mother; Margarita’s grandmother; Lily’s great-grandmother. Also Masked Servant (Rosa’s luggage carrier and with Pedro at Tres Flores); Voice #3; and Masked Dancer.
Raúl - early 20’s. He is Graciela & Fernando’s son; Margarita’s Cuban lover; and Miguelito’s father. Also Waiter; Masked Servant (Rosa’s luggage carrier and at Tres Flores); U.S. Consular Officer and Masked Dancer.
CASTING & REPRESENTATION STATEMENT
The Presence of Absence (a Cuban nocturne) centers around Cuban culture, experiences and storytelling. We strongly prefer Latino/a/Latinx/Latiné performers for this project. However, performers of all backgrounds are welcome to submit and will be considered with respect and care.
This production is seeking Non-Equity actors.
COMPENSATION
This is a paid, Non-Equity world premiere production. Performers cast will receive a stipend for travel, rehearsals and performances.
Specific details will be shared at the time of offer.
We look forward to reviewing your work and thank you for your interest in The Presence of Absence (a Cuban nocturne).
Videos
