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