The Bad Guy

by Jen Diamond

When Finn and Deirdre inherit Finn's childhood home they move in, hoping to repair their marriage and get a fresh start on life. But the woods are far deeper and darker than Finn remembers and his half-sister has become a stranger. This modern, folk-horror adaptation of The Bacchae is about all the ways we are capable of transforming ourselves and those we love.

When Finn and Deirdre inherit Finn's childhood home they move in, hoping to repair their marriage and get a fresh start on life. But the woods are far deeper and darker than Finn remembers and his half-sister has become a stranger. This modern, folk-horror adaptation of The Bacchae is about all the ways we are capable of transforming ourselves and those we love.

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The Bad Guy

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: The Bad Guy by Jen Diamond
    “

    What a wonderfully fucked up play. A play about what it means to go home and how people are not exactly as we assume they are. Loved the twisted relationship between Finn and Iona. Loved how Finn comes across as a wonderful and caring partner but as the play progresses doubts about his goodness begins to creep in. I want to see this play produced with a skilled set, lighting and sound designer. A horror play that makes me want to finally read The Bacchae.

    What a wonderfully fucked up play. A play about what it means to go home and how people are not exactly as we assume they are. Loved the twisted relationship between Finn and Iona. Loved how Finn comes across as a wonderful and caring partner but as the play progresses doubts about his goodness begins to creep in. I want to see this play produced with a skilled set, lighting and sound designer. A horror play that makes me want to finally read The Bacchae.

    ”

Character Information

  • Finn
    A dude with a trust fund.
    30
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Deirdre
    A frustrated, former party girl.
    30
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Iona
    A bad bitch. Finn's sister. A little bit of a god.
    23
    Female or nonbinary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Non-binary
  • Lindie
    A lost girl. Finn's ex-girlfriend.
    25
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Theresa
    A wise woman.
    40
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Development History

  • Workshop, Firehouse Theatre, Richmond VA, 2024 (upcoming)

Awards

  • Appalachian Festival of Plays and Playwrights
    Barter Theatre
    Selection
    2024