Tara Theatre is seeking opera singers and performers for an exciting new experimental chamber opera currently in development with Tara Theatre.
Composed by Lisa Logan, and directed by Natasha Kathi-Chandra, the work is inspired by The Mahabharata, following the play by Peter Brook, Marie-Hélène Estienne and Jean-Claude Carrière. The project brings together experimental storytelling, contemporary opera and South Asian epic tradition to explore a powerful and ambitious theatrical world.
The creative team includes Composer Lisa Logan, Director Natasha Kathi-Chandra, Conductor Alex Ingram and Associate Conductor Ashok Gupta.
We are looking for performers with powerful, dramatic operatic voices to join the development of the work.
We are particularly keen to hear from Global Majority and, specifically, South Asian performers, operatic artists and singers.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The project will begin with auditions in September, followed by music rehearsals for the principal parts in October and a Research & Development period in November.
The November R&D will include an on-book music run-through of the opera, giving the creative team and performers the opportunity to explore the work in the room and develop the piece together.
We are particularly interested in performers who are excited by experimental storytelling, new opera and collaborative approaches to performance.
IMPORTANT DATES
AUDITIONS
10 September 2026
Tara Theatre, 356 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4ES
MUSIC REHEARSALS FOR MAIN PARTS
12–16 October 2026
Two half-days per performer
Tara Theatre, 356 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4ES
RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
4, 5, 12 & 13 November 2026
Tara Theatre, 356 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4ES
Please note that the R&D dates will involve multiple calls/rolling dates for performers.
FEES
Rehearsal and R&D fees will be paid at the ITC day rate:
Half day: £66.60
Full day: £133
ROLES
We are casting six principal roles, alongside a chorus and smaller roles.
All principal casting requires powerful, dramatic operatic voices rather than light lyrical voices.
KING DRITARASHTRA / KING / RISHI
Bass
Vocal range: D2–E2
Any ethnicity, any age
VIDURA / BISHMA / MARKANDEYA
Tenor
Vocal range: C5–B2, with optional A2
Any ethnicity, any age
YUDISHTIRA
High Baritone
Vocal range: G#4 (optional A4) – A2 (optional G2)
Any ethnicity, any age
KUNTI / HUNTER
Spinto or Dramatic Soprano
Vocal range: C5–Bb3
Any ethnicity, any age
KRISHNA / DEATH
Countertenor
Vocal range: E5–A3
South Asian, any age
GANGA
High Dramatic Coloratura Soprano
Vocal range: G6–E4, with lots of sustained E6
Any ethnicity, any age
CHORUS & SMALLER ROLES
The production will also include a SATB chorus of approximately 4–8 voices, including four smaller mezzo-soprano/contralto parts:
- SNAKE – Mezzo/Contralto, Gb5–G3
- PIGEON – Mezzo/Contralto, C#5–Bb3
- WORM – Mezzo-Soprano, G5–G3
- FALCON – Mezzo-Soprano, Gb5–D4
These smaller roles may potentially be combined and performed by the same singer.
Additional smaller roles include Gautami, Time and Hunter, with some roles potentially being doubled by the principal cast.
WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR
We are looking for performers who:
- Have a strong, powerful operatic voice
- Are excited by experimental storytelling and new work
- Are interested in developing new opera collaboratively
- Are comfortable working across theatre and music
- Have a strong interest in contemporary and experimental performance
We are particularly interested in hearing from Global Majority and South Asian performers, operatic artists and singers.
HOW TO APPLY
To introduce yourself to Tara Theatre, please email recruitment@taratheatre.com with:
- A link to your work and/or CV
- A headshot
- Audio or video footage demonstrating your vocal range (maximum 3 minutes)
- Your vocal range
- Ideally, at least one modern/contemporary aria
Please include “Experimental Opera R&D” in the subject line of your email.
APPLICATION DEADLINE: 1 SEPTEMBER 2026
Following the application deadline, selected applicants will be invited to audition on 10 September 2026.
For any questions or further information, please contact recruitment@taratheatre.com.