Us Unparadised (Workshop)
Next Life Theatre Company

Directed by Julie Monteleone
Written by Maggie Rahilly

Next Life Theatre Company is seeking a diverse cast of non-equity actors for a workshop reading of the new theater production Us Unparadised. This workshop adaptation of Milton’s Paradise Lost will be mounted at The Rat NYC in Brooklyn, NY on June 26th.
Rehearsals begin on or around June 5th, and will consist of two virtual rehearsals and one in person rehearsal determined. Rehearsal dates TBD on cast availability. This workshop is unpaid.

Synopsis:

“Us Unparadised” by Maggie Rahilly is an adaptation of Milton’s Paradise Lost with a new epic hero – Eve. Centering the storytelling around Milton’s daughters, the play explores the questions inherent to being the first people, explores familial politics, and meditates on Roe vs. Wade and bodily autonomy.

Character Breakdown:

ANNIE
One of Milton’s daughters. Late teens. Spunky and smart. Challenges her father’s work with the most vigor and perceptiveness. Female Presenting. Age 20 – 30. Any ethnicity.

MARY
One of Milton’s daughters. Early-twenties. Responsible and bright. Wishes to challenge her father’s work but proves to be less radical than she’d wish. Female Presenting. Age 20 – 30. Any ethnicity.

EVE
The first woman, both Milton’s “Eve” and Annie and Mary’s “Eve.” Eve is the only character who can eclipse the poem and can thus communicate with Annie. Female Presenting. Age 25 – 35. Any ethnicity.

ADAM
The first man, the biblical Adam as represented by Milton. Male Presenting. Age 25 – 35. Any ethnicity.

SERPENT/SATAN
Milton’s Satan, the fallen rebel angel and tempter in the Garden. Male Presenting. Age 25 – 35. Any ethnicity.

Trans/non-binary/gender nonconforming actors encouraged to apply.

Submission Requirements:

Please submit a headshot, resume, and 1-2 minutes of classical or poetic text. Submission deadline: 05/30/26