Chapter 7
CHAPTER 7
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10, 1927
L ouisa
Eve Dumont exchanges a few words with the actresses vacating the audition before setting her sights on me. A pleasant expression that appears forced stretches across her pretty face as she walks in my direction.
“Hello.” Without any pretense, she settles herself in the chair beside me. “I’m Eve.”
“Louisa.” I offer a tight smile before returning my attention to my hands folded in my lap.
“Attention, everyone. Can I get your attention, please?” The director steps onto the raised stage and peers over spectacles sitting low on his nose. “Thank you all for coming to the audition for All Souls’ Eve . I have a few notes, and then we will get underway.”
As the director outlines the events of the afternoon, I mull over the idea that the girl seated beside me will be handed the role simply because of her father. The irony is not lost on me. Earlier today, I too was seeking success via another’s influence. Perhaps that is the way of people looking for a step up. I release a slow breath and ask myself, Should I have left when I had the chance?
“All those prepared to read for the double role of Alice Heath and Nora O’Hallahan, please stand.” At the director’s request, I stand to be counted. Eve does the same. “Only two of you?” The director’s hand scratches the scruff on his chin. “I suppose the lead is a tall order.”
Without missing a beat, Eve speaks up. “Perhaps it is because I am destined for the role, given my name.”
Appearing amused, the director waves a hand in her direction. “And what name would that be?”
“Eve. Eve Dumont.” A flirtatious lift of her shoulders highlights her delivery. “Just like the play’s name, All Souls’ Eve .” She laughs at her own joke and quickly covers a put-upon shy smile with the tips of her fingers.
This girl does know how to act, I think to myself as the director motions for us to return to our seats. Eve tosses me a sideways glance that feels like a challenge.
Thirty minutes passes as the director sorts the applicants by role. Ana was right; this need to have everyone grouped by character is a waste of time.
Finally, those present are called to the stage one by one. I watch the auditions unfold, marvelling at the variety of choices the actors make in interpreting the same characters. It doesn’t take long to spot those who understand the amount of effort it takes to successfully embody another personality. I think back to the many days and nights spent rehearsing. I may not have the right connections for a quick ticket to Hollywood, but surely my talent as an actress will speak for itself on the Vancouver stage. I consider Eve from the corner of my eye. Daddy’s girl or not, if she is going to get this role, she will have to work for it.
When the role of Alice Heath is called, Eve goes first, reading from the script with ease. I have to admit that she handles the audition well enough, but her free hand repeatedly stabs the air, making every line feel as if it ends in an exclamation mark.
You must become the character, I remind myself as my turn arrives and I accept the page of script from Eve as she steps down from the stage. I feel a slight advantage at having heard the lines in advance, during her performance. Once on stage, though, the butterflies warn me that success is far from assured.
I begin with an introduction. “My name is Louisa Wilson.”
The director angles his head to the left. “As in Thomas Cromwell’s recent production of Craig’s Wife ?”
“Yes, that is correct.” I lift my gaze to the back of the room and catch the view of Eve Dumont’s mouth dropping open in surprise.
“I read your review. Nicely done.” His chin dips in admiration, boosting my confidence. “Thank you for coming out, Miss Wilson. Please proceed.”
The audition sails by in a three-minute blur. I embrace the character’s plight to save the boy and feel the real prick of moisture in the corner of my eyes as the scene escalates with emotion. I don’t realize how silent the room has gone until I finish uttering the last line.
A single clap from somewhere to my right turns into several as those present applaud my efforts. I bite the inside of my cheek to prevent the spread of a wide smile.
Eve does an excellent job of ignoring me during the auditions for the rest of the roles. I can’t say I am concerned by her cold shoulder, given I am in a two-person race for the leading role. If the path to Hollywood requires being discovered, then I must continue to put my best foot forward on the theatre’s stage. That is the only way I can think of to garner the attention of someone with clout.
“We will take a short break while I make some decisions. Let’s resume in fifteen minutes, and then those who aren’t required for a second audition will be free to go.” The director takes his notes and leaves the room.
Eve and a handful of other actors follow suit. I stand to stretch my legs and am wandering toward the exit, in search of a breath of fresh air, when movement through a half-open door to another room catches my attention.
“Miss Dumont, may I remind you that I am the director of this production? It is my job to ensure the roles are suited to the actor.” The director’s voice is stern but hushed, causing me to pause mid-stride.
“May I remind you, sir, that my father’s influence reaches further than you’ll ever know? If you want this play to succeed, then you’ll make the right decision. The choice may be up to you, but the guarantee of your play’s success is not. Good day, sir.”
“Miss Dumont, please.” The director is still pleading as the door swings open and Eve appears, catching me motionless in the middle of the hall.
A slow smirk turns her pleasant features sinister. I feel as though a northern wind blows through me as she brushes past.
I should have known. My chin drops to my chest in defeat. Ana and her friends tried to warn me. Eve Dumont can apparently get any part she wants by holding her father’s connections over the director’s head. I was slow to realize it, but now I know that even my acting ability gives me no influence here.