what the Gods gave me

by Eryn Elyse McVay

FULL-LENGTH (no intermission) WIP: Miles from any civilization, on a barren stretch of cold wilderness, lies Nevermoore Inn, home to Bedelia, her twin daughters, and her niece Victoria. Once a generation, a disposable outsider is brought to the closed family of women in order to ensure their prosperity and survival. But as Victoria grows more restless with her isolated existence, she begins to dream of life...

FULL-LENGTH (no intermission) WIP: Miles from any civilization, on a barren stretch of cold wilderness, lies Nevermoore Inn, home to Bedelia, her twin daughters, and her niece Victoria. Once a generation, a disposable outsider is brought to the closed family of women in order to ensure their prosperity and survival. But as Victoria grows more restless with her isolated existence, she begins to dream of life beyond Nevermoore’s walls, encouraged by outsider Henrik. As Henrik and Victoria’s fates become intertwined and Bedelia’s way of life is threatened, the family reaches a sticking point between tradition and the promise of the future.

CW: graphic violence, gaslighting

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

what the Gods gave me

Recommended by

  • Jack Horton Gilbert: what the Gods gave me by Eryn Elyse McVay
    “

    Gothic, dark, and poignant. A fun treatise on existing as a woman, and a person, in the world. Our obligations to each other and to ourselves.

    Gothic, dark, and poignant. A fun treatise on existing as a woman, and a person, in the world. Our obligations to each other and to ourselves.

    ”
  • Eric Roberts: what the Gods gave me by Eryn Elyse McVay
    “

    An electrifying play from start to finish, the route in which the play found it's climax was thrilling. Eryn wrote such complex and emotional characters that you felt for throughout the play. It's unique style and themes bring fresh air to the format. Looking forward to more work from this artist.

    An electrifying play from start to finish, the route in which the play found it's climax was thrilling. Eryn wrote such complex and emotional characters that you felt for throughout the play. It's unique style and themes bring fresh air to the format. Looking forward to more work from this artist.

    ”
  • Klae Bainter: what the Gods gave me by Eryn Elyse McVay
    “

    Chilling to the bone! McVay is a master of creating a world that makes the audience feel off kilter. There’s an eeriness that pervades her plays in a way that could make your skin crawl if she wasn’t in such control of her message. The relationships of her characters are soul of the play. Not for the faint of heart nor the fragile cis male ego. Read and produce this play!

    Chilling to the bone! McVay is a master of creating a world that makes the audience feel off kilter. There’s an eeriness that pervades her plays in a way that could make your skin crawl if she wasn’t in such control of her message. The relationships of her characters are soul of the play. Not for the faint of heart nor the fragile cis male ego. Read and produce this play!

    ”
View all 8 recommendations

Character Information

  • Bedelia
    She/her. Mother to Sophie and Margaret, aunt to Victoria. A guardian. Protective, set in her ways.
    46
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Victoria
    She/her. Sophie and Margaret's half-sister, Bedelia's niece. A knowledge-seeker. Curious, dissatisfied, rebellious.
    23
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Margaret
    She/her, twin to Sophie, Bedelia's daughter. The bait. Enchanting, dutiful, loyal.
    23
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Sophie
    She/her, twin to Margaret, Bedelia's daughter. An artist. Affectionate, creative, a peacemaker.
    23
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Henrik
    He/him, married to Margaret. An offering. Well intentioned, privileged, doomed.
    29
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading, Ohio University, 2021

Production History

  • University, Western Washington University (Upcoming), 2023
  • University, Ohio University, 2022