Rare Wolves

by Gaby Labotka

Rare Wolves is an evocative, lyrical collection of tales of a pack of transgender and nonbinary people decried as monsters by their families or towns. They form their own, humble utopia in the woods to escape violence and persecution and nourish their humanity. They find love, acceptance, and joy in the community they form together, making them powerful beyond imagination.
* Currently Seeking Workshop...

Rare Wolves is an evocative, lyrical collection of tales of a pack of transgender and nonbinary people decried as monsters by their families or towns. They form their own, humble utopia in the woods to escape violence and persecution and nourish their humanity. They find love, acceptance, and joy in the community they form together, making them powerful beyond imagination.
* Currently Seeking Workshop, Development, and World Premiere opportunities.

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Rare Wolves

Recommended by

  • Kristen Alesia: Rare Wolves by Gaby Labotka
    “

    A moving, lyrical piece ripe with opportunity for imaginative, experimental performance.

    Rarely (hehe) have I encountered a script this dedicated to existing in conversation with its cast, elevating their identities: their rage, their euphoria, their singularity and community.

    A moving, lyrical piece ripe with opportunity for imaginative, experimental performance.

    Rarely (hehe) have I encountered a script this dedicated to existing in conversation with its cast, elevating their identities: their rage, their euphoria, their singularity and community.

    ”
  • Zach Barr: Rare Wolves by Gaby Labotka
    “

    There is no other script that wrestles with the totality of the trans experience in the way "Rare Wolves" does. The community, the targeting, the abundant love, the white-hot anger, the reclaiming of pain, the security of softness – Labotka's lyrical script weaves through all of these, while anchored on a story of finding one's pack and forgiving old wounds. Six roles that TGNC performers will want to sink their teeth into. Effortfully bold, cheekily funny, and utterly unique.

    There is no other script that wrestles with the totality of the trans experience in the way "Rare Wolves" does. The community, the targeting, the abundant love, the white-hot anger, the reclaiming of pain, the security of softness – Labotka's lyrical script weaves through all of these, while anchored on a story of finding one's pack and forgiving old wounds. Six roles that TGNC performers will want to sink their teeth into. Effortfully bold, cheekily funny, and utterly unique.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Rare Wolves by Gaby Labotka
    “

    "None of us are coming for you. Why do you feel so threatened? Is it because we know who the real predators are?"

    This play is filled to the brim with poetic dialogue and stage directions. Labotka does a great job showing the trans experience through the mythology of the werewolf. I loved how this play shows the different ways someone can identify as trans. The thoughts and opinions in this group are not always kind and loving but they are a community. I would love to see this piece produced with a courageous company of actors.

    "None of us are coming for you. Why do you feel so threatened? Is it because we know who the real predators are?"

    This play is filled to the brim with poetic dialogue and stage directions. Labotka does a great job showing the trans experience through the mythology of the werewolf. I loved how this play shows the different ways someone can identify as trans. The thoughts and opinions in this group are not always kind and loving but they are a community. I would love to see this piece produced with a courageous company of actors.

    ”

Character Information

An ensemble of all transgender, nonbinary, intersex, and/or gender-nonconforming people.
Cast must reflect the diversity of the world and therefore must never be an all-white cast.
  • Lupe
    A visionary. (they/any) A renegade of rejoicing. Jean’s lover.
    Non-binary,
    Genderqueer,
    Intersex,
    Agender,
    Trans woman
  • Bleddyn
    A healer. (he/they) A doctor, traveler, and inherent father of the pack. Louve’s mate. Occasionally speaks Welsh.
    Transmasculine
  • Jean
    A fighter. (they/them) Dangerous to touch without care. Lupe’s lover. Occasionally speaks French.
    Non-binary,
    Transmasculine,
    Genderqueer
  • Louve
    A parent. (she/they) The pack mother, prone to fiercely loving. Bleddyn’s mate.
    Trans woman,
    Genderqueer,
    Non-binary
  • Rollo
    A leader. (they/he) Trying to save their loved ones from pain, while wading through his own. Christine’s mate. A faoladh.
    Non-binary,
    Intersex,
    Genderfluid,
    Agender
  • Rahne
    Afraid. (????) Has been persecuted for the first time and doesn’t know where they belong. The pup.
    Non-binary,
    Genderfluid,
    Agender,
    Transmasculine

Development History

  • Workshop, Coalescence Theatre Project and City Lit Theater Company, 2026
  • Residency, Ragdale Residency, 2026
  • Workshop, Chicago Performance Lab - University of Chicago, 2024

Awards