In Clay
2024 Festival
Director
Ellie Heyman
Music Director
Jacob Yates
Directing Assistant
Obed De la Cruz
Contact for Rights
Caroline Underwood The Caroline Underwood Agency caroline@tcualondon.com
Number of Acts: 1
Number of Principals (Female): 1
Total Cast Size: 1
Orchestra Breakdown:
Acoustic upright piano, classical guitar, double bass, violin, jazz drum kit
Casting Notes:
MARIE-BERTHE CAZIN Playing Age: 30s – 40s Vocal Range: Mezzo; D3-F5 (Thick/Belt to D5) with option to transpose keys. Sings 11 songs in the show, which include jazz scatt singing and whistling. Accent: Authentic 1930s working class French or Parisian Character Description: Ceramicist, has devoted her life to making art but never quite made it in the way she always thought she would. Passionate, headstrong, wears her heart on her sleeve and is intensely vulnerable at key moments throughout the show. Witty and sarcastic at times. Requires strong comedic ability. Key Requirements: This is a one-hander that requires a high degree of stamina to perform. Must be a strong enough singer and actor to make the role truly compelling. Requires a very physical performance, including making a pot on stage. The actor will also be required to take on the personas of JEAN-CHARLES CAZIN, HENRIETTA TIRMAN, MICHAEL CAZIN, and various art critics.
Genre & Style:
Gypsy-jazz one-woman musical
Synopsis
Based on a true story, In Clay is a one-woman musical told from a Parisian apartment in 1938. Ceramist Marie Cazin awaits her estranged childhood friend, and now celebrated artist, Henrietta Tirman. Her imminent arrival pushes Marie to reflect on the joys and sorrows of a life devoted to making art.
Development History
After workshops in late 2022, In Clay premiered with a sell-out run at VAULT Festival 2023, where it was nominated for Show of the Week and an Off-Fest Award. ‘Talent’ was also nominated for the Stiles & Drewe Best New Song Prize 2023. It played in concert at The Other Palace on the main stage in August 2023, and then ran from 13 March – 7 April 2024 at Upstairs at the Gatehouse, Highgate. The run was a critical success, garnering 14 five-star reviews and 7 Off West End Award nominations, including Best New Musical and Best Musical Production.
Fest Fast Facts
- In Clay is based on a true story. The real Marie-Berthe Cazin was born in Boulogne-sur-Mer in 1872 and lived to the age of 98.
- In Clay is the first musical Rebecca and Jack have collaborated on together.
- The first developmental production of In Clay took place in spring of 2024, it was nominated for seven Off-West End Awards, including ‘Best New Musical’ and ‘Best Production’, making it the most-nominated show (play or musical) of 2024.
- Marie’s ‘I Am’ number, “Talent”, nominated for the Stiles & Drewe Best New Song 2023, was the first song written for the show. The lyrics took three years to perfect!
- In Clay will be performed in Mandarin in Shanghai in 2025.
- We are thrilled to be introducing In Clay to an American audience and keen to find partners that believe in this show as much as we do.