Phoenix Rising

by James T. Washburn

Hero is a child of Zeus, forgotten until he dares to defy Zeus and live as his true self. Aided by Echo, Prometheus, and Hephaestus, Hero must battle for his life and sense of self against an unyielding god.

PHOENIX RISING is a part of The Myth Cycle, a set of three queer plays retelling or adding to the traditional Greek canon. The other plays in the Cycle include MEDUSA'S BLESSING and ICARUS FALLS.

Hero is a child of Zeus, forgotten until he dares to defy Zeus and live as his true self. Aided by Echo, Prometheus, and Hephaestus, Hero must battle for his life and sense of self against an unyielding god.

PHOENIX RISING is a part of The Myth Cycle, a set of three queer plays retelling or adding to the traditional Greek canon. The other plays in the Cycle include MEDUSA'S BLESSING and ICARUS FALLS.

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Phoenix Rising

Recommended by

  • T. M. Gadomski: Phoenix Rising by James T. Washburn
    “

    Heart wrenching. A powerful telling of the trans story. This must be amazing to see live!

    Heart wrenching. A powerful telling of the trans story. This must be amazing to see live!

    ”
  • Samantha Marchant: Phoenix Rising by James T. Washburn
    “

    Strong and theatrical, ending in triumph.

    Strong and theatrical, ending in triumph.

    ”
  • James McLindon: Phoenix Rising by James T. Washburn
    “

    A reinterpretation of Greek mythology for our times, as thrilling as it is brilliant.

    A reinterpretation of Greek mythology for our times, as thrilling as it is brilliant.

    ”

Character Information

This is a story about solidarity between marginalized people; as such, it should be cast as diversely as possible.
  • Hero
    Hero is a brash young trans man who refuses to hide his identity, no matter what the cost.
    Trans man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Zeus
    A vengeful god who demands total submission from his subjects.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Hephaestus
    One of Zeus's children and a God in his own right, who was rejected by his parents when his appearance was not as they expected.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Echo
    A Goddess who cannot express her own thoughts, but feels deeply for those Zeus wrongs.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Prometheus
    A God who is being eternally punished for helping the human race, but who will risk anything to help them still.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+

Development History

  • Workshop, Magpie Artists' Ensemble, 2022
  • Workshop, 3rd Citizen, 2020

Production History

  • University, Cornish College of the Arts, 2019