The Female Gaze

by Jillian Blevins

ONE-ACT FEMINIST MYTHOLOGICAL COMEDY. Medusa is living comfortably enough in exile on her deserted island, surrounded by statues of the men she's turned to stone, when the blind Princess Metope arrives seeking sanctuary. Is Metope safe with Medusa? And who is the mysterious old man who brought them together?

ONE-ACT FEMINIST MYTHOLOGICAL COMEDY. Medusa is living comfortably enough in exile on her deserted island, surrounded by statues of the men she's turned to stone, when the blind Princess Metope arrives seeking sanctuary. Is Metope safe with Medusa? And who is the mysterious old man who brought them together?

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

The Female Gaze

Recommended by

  • Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend: The Female Gaze

    There are so many lines I love in this short play about how women are punished no matter what they do. Using Greek mythology to explore how, as the Barbie movie states, it is literally impossible to be a woman is genius. The title is perfection for a play centering Medusa, and I want a sequel about the island commune. Fantastic.

    There are so many lines I love in this short play about how women are punished no matter what they do. Using Greek mythology to explore how, as the Barbie movie states, it is literally impossible to be a woman is genius. The title is perfection for a play centering Medusa, and I want a sequel about the island commune. Fantastic.

  • Aly Kantor: The Female Gaze

    "It’s a comfort to exist without being seen."

    What a MOOD, especially in this social-media-saturated world! I am a HUGE fan of this feminist revision of not one but two Greek myths in which women are punished—one for wanting, the other for not wanting. The dialogue is sharp, funny, and full of lovely, relatable gems like the one quoted above. I love the blend of the contemporary and ancient language and syntax, which really differentiated the character voices and helped keep these women distinct. A gorgeous, atmospheric short with brilliant opportunities for theatricality and a lot to say!

    "It’s a comfort to exist without being seen."

    What a MOOD, especially in this social-media-saturated world! I am a HUGE fan of this feminist revision of not one but two Greek myths in which women are punished—one for wanting, the other for not wanting. The dialogue is sharp, funny, and full of lovely, relatable gems like the one quoted above. I love the blend of the contemporary and ancient language and syntax, which really differentiated the character voices and helped keep these women distinct. A gorgeous, atmospheric short with brilliant opportunities for theatricality and a lot to say!

  • David MacDowell Blue: The Female Gaze

    I really enjoy this little play, a nice "twist" and deep dive into a bit of classic mythology. A comedic (as opposed to comic) re-examination of legend through a lens hinting maybe, just maybe misogyny really is a thing (btw oh yes it is) and was back then. That we are perhaps in some ways wiser. I think that is a good thing.

    I really enjoy this little play, a nice "twist" and deep dive into a bit of classic mythology. A comedic (as opposed to comic) re-examination of legend through a lens hinting maybe, just maybe misogyny really is a thing (btw oh yes it is) and was back then. That we are perhaps in some ways wiser. I think that is a good thing.

View all 9 recommendations

Character Information

  • MEDUSA
    a beautiful monster.
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her
  • METOPE
    a blind princess.
    Character Gender Identity
    She/her
  • OLD MAN/ATHENA
    Ageless. The goddess of wisdom, in disguise as an old man.
    Character Gender Identity
    he/him,
    then she/her

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Duluth Playhouse , Year 2024
  • Type High School, Organization Jordan-Matthews High School, Year 2023