Actors Ensemble: Auditions for a staged reading of TRUMAN VS. ISRAEL, performs April 19th.

[Jerome Solberg]

Synopsis
Actors Ensemble of Berkeley (www.aeofberkeley.org) is accepting submissions for a Staged Reading of TRUMAN VS. ISRAEL by William Spatz, directed by Gabriel A. Ross. Truman vs. Israel is a historical drama that reexamines the legacy of Harry S. Truman through a fictional 1953 confrontation with rising attorney Bella Abzug. As Truman considers a libel suit over accusations of antisemitism and wartime decisions, a tense dialogue unfolds—blending politics, memory, and moral reckoning. Shifting between past and present, the play challenges the myths we build around leaders and asks whether history can ever fully deliver justice.

Reading and rehearsal time and place
The reading is Sunday April 19, 4:00pm, at Temple Beth Hillel, 801 Park Central St, Richmond, near Hilltop Mall. Rehearsals are scheduled for Wednesday April 15 and Thursday April 16 in the evening. If you are available for the reading but have a conflict with one of the rehearsals, you would still be eligible to participate depending upon how schedules develop. If you're not available for either, you may submit but it may be more difficult to realistically manage.

How to submit
Please submit your headshot and resume to be considered, and note any potential conflicts you may have. You may submit a video monologue of your choice if you have one ready. You may be contacted to read a little online.

Character Breakdown
The characters are as follows. All descriptions are descriptions of the role, and not necessarily the actor playing the role. Our auditions are open to all, and we actively embrace non-traditional casting.

Harry S. Truman (Male-presenting | 60–70): Former President of the United States, now living in retirement in Missouri. A self-made politician reflecting on his presidency, including World War II decisions and the recognition of Israel. Engages in a legal dispute over accusations made about his past statements and actions.

Bella Abzug (Female-presenting | 30s [1953] / 60s [1988]): A New York attorney in 1953 who later becomes a U.S. Congresswoman. Hired to advise Truman on a potential libel case. Jewish, politically active, and deeply engaged in issues of justice, civil rights, and the founding of Israel.

Don Muller (Male-presenting | 35–45): Non-Jewish Holocaust survivor and veteran of Israel’s 1948 War of Independence. Works as Bella Abzug’s assistant. Brings firsthand experience of postwar Europe and the creation of Israel into conversations with Truman.

Eddie Jacobson (Male-presenting | 60–70): Jewish businessman, veteran, and longtime friend of Truman. Former partner in a haberdashery. Played a role in encouraging Truman to meet with Zionist leadership prior to the recognition of Israel.

The Painter (Any gender | 30–50): A contemporary artist in 1988 painting Bella Abzug’s portrait. Serves as an interviewer figure, prompting reflection on past events and their historical significance.

All actors will also play a few additional minor roles that will be assigned during rehearsal.

Perusal Script
Script available for perusal here: Truman vs Israel Script (Perusal)

Fine print
Non AEA/No-Pay, all actors are volunteers. Actors Ensemble provides up to $50 in expense reimbursement in accordance with AB5.
------------------Upcoming events-------------:
April 13th - Callbacks for our mini-production of Repossessed, by Greg Lam, directed by Gabriel A. Ross.
April 19th - Staged Reading of Truman vs. Israel, by William Spatz, directed by Gabriel A. Ross. Auditions by Submission.
April 26th - Auditions for a staged reading of Emperor of the Moon, by Behn, directed by Erin Perry.
May 3rd and 4th - Auditions for The Importance of Being Earnest, directed by Jay Manley.
May 26th - Staged reading of Emperor of the Moon, LaVal's Subterranean Theater.
July 3rd - July 19th - Alice in Wonderland at John Hinkel Park
July 31st - August 9th - Repossessed, LaVal's Subterranean Theater.
August 22nd - September 7th - A Midsummer Night's Dream at John Hinkel Park
October 2nd - October 18th - The Importance of Being Earnest, Live Oak Theater.
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Actors Ensemble
P.O. Box 663
Berkeley, CA 94701
in...@aeofberkeley.org
www.aeofberkeley.org
A 501(3)(c) organization