FABLE, 2019.
To gaze into her eyes would be to know all the secrets of the universe; rendering mankind into stone. The Mythologies of Medusa, as well as the triple goddess, continue to ripple throughout history into modern day culture, and mirror the human experience. FABLE deconstructs the famous Greek mythology and brings a new perspective regarding the gorgon as a victim of toxic masculinity. It begs the audience to reconsider why the face of Medusa has adorned the aegis worn over the robes of Athena throughout centuries of sculpture and artifacts. At the heart of the story is Frank, a young man who must make a desperate choice regarding a violent trauma from his past which continues to haunt him and prevents him from embracing his queer identity. In a world where gods and goddesses exist, and the matriarchy has become clandestine, the mythological realm of FABLE fights for Frank’s survival, as well as Medusa’s role as a victim of toxic masculinity. From ages four to five Timothy used to have a recurring nightmare about a snake-headed woman who pressured him to look into her eyes. Writing FABLE has been a four- year journey, and a chance to understand, as well as no longer fear, the antagonist of his dreams. This work is dedicated to his sister, Susan Quirus, and the numerous conversations about mythologies, fairytales, and women’s studies they’ve engaged in throughout the years.
Image caption: Justin Domogma as FRANK and Anna Marie Sharpe as MEDUSA
CAST (Alphabetically & PARTS PLAYED)
Alex Bear. -Grim/Stheno/Goddess Ensemble
Alcina Chen -Daughter/Goddess Ensemble
Justin Domogma -Frank
Jaymee Epperson -Minuit/Athena
Xiaoyan Kang -Goddess Ensemble
Nadiya Korkuna -Dodona/Goddess Ensemble
Anastasia Liu -Humiliation/Metis
Brigit Comeau -Mom
Anna Marie Sharpe -Diana Jung/Medusa
Drew Woodson -Chrysáor
Tai White -Dreadful/Euryale/Goddess Ensemble
CREW
Kaitlin Weinstein -Crew Coordinator
Seth Lu -Lighting Designer/Operator
Hayden Kirschbaum -Sound Board Operator
Hannah Linaweaver -Projections Operator
Christopher Sauceda -Sound Design
SPACE & TIME OF PRODUCTION
Event by Theater, Dance, and Performance Studies at UC Berkeley
Performed November 19-November 21, 2019 at the
Durham Studio Theater
MENTORS
Shannon Steen -Spring 2019
Philip K. Gotanda -Fall 2019