FAG~GODS: A Mythic Camp Comedy

by John Bavoso

FULL-LENGTH: (First Draft) After being ousted from Mt. Olympus by his children/fellow deities for being a PR nightmare, a modern-day Zeus finds a kindred spirit in Sissy Fuss, the burnt-out proprietress of a Greek mythology-obsessed drag club in Athens, GA. While they're hiding away from the world and Sissy attempts to teach the king of the gods lessons about consent and toxic masculinity, Zeus’s children begin inserting themselves in the affairs of the kings and queens floundering in the wake of their fearless leader’s departure. Can Sissy and the rest of her house make amends and find the divinity within themselves to stand up to their immortal interlopers before their chosen family is torn apart?

FAG~GODS is a comic romp through the realms of ancient mythology and modern culture, featuring punny drag names, painfully on-the-nose lip-syncing, and groan-worthy wordplay. It resides at the intersection of queerness and divinity and celebrates LGBTQ+ folx creating a new pantheon in our own image.

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FAG~GODS: A Mythic Camp Comedy

Recommended by

Daniel Prillaman: FAG~GODS: A Mythic Camp Comedy by John Bavoso

“

Whether you are a fan of drag or Greek mythology (if both, you are not ready), Bavoso's divine comedy is filled to the brim with images, sequences, and bits that will remind you why you love theatre. I shudder to spoil any of it, but good god the puns alone. The puns! YOU ARE NOT READY. Despite that, I highly encourage you to dive into this epic of found family, themed lip-sync routines, and the destruction of the patriarchy. Thrilling, hilarious, and empowering.

Whether you are a fan of drag or Greek mythology (if both, you are not ready), Bavoso's divine comedy is filled to the brim with images, sequences, and bits that will remind you why you love theatre. I shudder to spoil any of it, but good god the puns alone. The puns! YOU ARE NOT READY. Despite that, I highly encourage you to dive into this epic of found family, themed lip-sync routines, and the destruction of the patriarchy. Thrilling, hilarious, and empowering.

”
Asher de Forest: FAG~GODS: A Mythic Camp Comedy by John Bavoso

“

This play has everything! Part Mount Olympus meets the #MeToo era, part throwback "Let's put on a drag show!" scheme, all fun. Though it never takes itself too seriously, FAG~GODS is whip-smart, surprisingly wholesome, and absolutely fabulous.

This play has everything! Part Mount Olympus meets the #MeToo era, part throwback "Let's put on a drag show!" scheme, all fun. Though it never takes itself too seriously, FAG~GODS is whip-smart, surprisingly wholesome, and absolutely fabulous.

”
Cheryl Bear: FAG~GODS: A Mythic Camp Comedy by John Bavoso

“

A modern day tale that teaches the gods some important lessons long overdue. Will they be able to make a change and find their way through?

A modern day tale that teaches the gods some important lessons long overdue. Will they be able to make a change and find their way through?

”

Character Information

Other than ZEUS (because he’s clearly a white dude), all roles can be played by actors of any race/gender identity/ability. The cast should reflect the diversity of the modern world.

SISSY FUSS

A Southern-fried drag queen/Greek mythology obsessive. Late 30s or 40s. As much of a stage mother as a drag mother. Trying desperately to inject a little “culture” into the scene. Generally fabulous and too much, because sometimes stereotypes are true.

Character Age

30s-40s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s,
  
  50s
ZEUS

King of the gods. Wielder of thunder and lightning, both real and metaphorical. White man in his 40s or 50s. Charming and volatile; toxic masculinity in divine form. Having difficulty changing with the times. Overall, a PR nightmare.

Character Age

40s-50s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

White

Character Gender Identity

Male
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  40s,
  
  50s,
  
  60s
- Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
  
  White
- Actor Gender Identity
  
  Man
ATHENA

Goddess of wisdom and warfare. 30s, but may read older. Serious to a fault. Would totally take over the group project. A little bit butch. (This actor also plays SIR BEARUS.)

Character Age

30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s
APHRODITE

Goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure. Late 20s or 30s, but may read younger. Glamourous, posh, and aloof, but far more aware and cunning that anyone gives her credit for. (This actor also plays DADDY LUSS.)

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
APOLLO

God of music, poetry, and the sun. 30s. Typical fuckboy with an acoustic guitar (a liar with a lyre?). Too busy thinking about “the universe” to remember to pay his rent. Wears sunglasses at night. (This actor also plays PEGGY SIS.)

Character Age

30s-40s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s
HERMES

Messenger of the gods and known trickster. 20s. Embodiment of every Boomer stereotype of a Millennial/Gen Z-er. Glued to his smartphone. More interested in drama and gossip than current events. (This actor also plays ANNE BROZIA.)

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s
SIR BEARUS

A drag king and unrepentant flirt; doesn’t really care what kind of show he’s in as long as he’s getting attention/adoration and going home with the hottest woman in the room.

Character Age

30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
DADDY LUSS

A drag king who acts as the de facto stage manager/mother hen for the rest of the Ganymede’s Grotto crew.

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  20s,
  
  30s
PEGGY SIS

A drag queen; SISSY’s second in command who has her sights set on being first in command. Wants to take the club in a more mainstream direction to draw bigger crowds.

Character Age

30s-40s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  30s,
  
  40s
ANNE BROZIA

A young drag queen just starting out. Deeply devoted to SISSY, who she views as a mentor/mother. Earnestly believes in the power of drag to change the world.

Character Age

20s-30s

Character Race/Ethnic Identity

Any

Character Gender Identity

Any
Can be played by:
- Actor Age
  
  Teens,
  
  20s,
  
  30s

Development History

Type Reading, Organization Baltimore Playwrights Festival, Year 2023

Production History

Type Community Theater, Organization Spotlighters Theatre, Year 2024

Awards

Ashland New Plays Festival

Ashland New Plays Festival

Semi-Finalist

2023

Genre

comedy,

fantasy

Subject Matter Keywords

drag,

Greek mythology,

queer theatre

Length

60-90 minutes,

90 minutes to two hours

Cast Size

6—10

Age of Intended Audience

ages 14-17,

ages 18 and up

Narrative Attributes

Centers LGBTQ Characters

Reviews

TheatreBloom

“
All said, this is a charming, unique, hysterical, and important new piece of queer theatre. I think everyone needs to go see this, not just because it’s a really fun time, but because we need to support and normalize queer theatre, as well as new works.
”