About the play:

An Unseasonable Fall of Snow by leading New Zealand playwright, Gary Henderson, is a taut, one-act psychological thriller in which a young man, Liam, is interrogated by a hard, almost callous, older man, Arthur, about a serious incident from the previous night, revealing layers of toxic masculinity, isolation, guilt, and the complexities of human truth and consequences. The play uses detective-like interrogation to probe the depths of human nature, exploring themes of social disconnection, mental health, and the potential for severe consequences, culminating in an unexpected twist that reveals the unexpected guilt of the interrogator as well.

An Unseasonable Fall of Snow was originally commissioned by the 1998 New Zealand International Festival of the Arts.

On stage:  6 - 14 March 2026 

Auditions: 

Audition Date:  Sunday 2 November 2025

Time: 2pm 

Where: The Green Room, 16th Ave Theatre

Download and complete the Audition Form below and email to:   info@16avetheatre.co.nz 

Rehearsals:

1st Read through  and  H&S briefing: 18 November 2025]

Rehearsals start: Thursday 20 November 2025               

Tuesdays and Thursdays:  7.00 – 9.00pm 

Sundays:   to be confirmed once cast confirmed

All rehearsals will be held at 16th Ave Theatre.

Characters: 

Liam -  early to mid-20s

Arthur -  40+

Special requirements 

The play explores a number of themes - loneliness, desperation, cowardice, rape, death, and the fragility of life. Principally, the play explores the sensitive topic of suicide and how isolation and a lack of open communication can negatively impact men's mental health. The actors will therefore need to be comfortable exploring these themes in order to bring authenticity to the roles. 

There are moments when Arthur uses aggressive force on Liam (eg physically forcing Liam to look at photographs) but without hurting the actor playing Liam. The actors will therefore need to be comfortable being the aggressor and the receiver of the aggression. The physical interaction will be carefully staged in a safe environment. 

There is use of photographs which show indistinguishable bloody body parts on train tracks and occasional swearing. The actors – in particular, Arthur – will therefore need to be comfortable with looking at what could potentially be visually disturbing material.