The Apologetics

by Eka Savajol

Dev used to date Finn, Finn used to date Nico, and now Dev is dating Nico, and they are all very, very sorry. Dev, an anxious-avoidant and self-described ‘Transgender-supremacist,’ is the only person who visits his ex-boyfriend Finn–also a trans man–at his inpatient program. When Finn asks Dev to get a locket back from Finn’s other ex, Nico, a pretty-yet-aloof cisgender gay guy, Dev begrudgingly goes along with...

Dev used to date Finn, Finn used to date Nico, and now Dev is dating Nico, and they are all very, very sorry. Dev, an anxious-avoidant and self-described ‘Transgender-supremacist,’ is the only person who visits his ex-boyfriend Finn–also a trans man–at his inpatient program. When Finn asks Dev to get a locket back from Finn’s other ex, Nico, a pretty-yet-aloof cisgender gay guy, Dev begrudgingly goes along with it. But as Dev and Nico begin spending more time together, their relationship develops, and Dev must fight his reticence towards cis society. However, as Dev finds refuge in Nico, his teetering relationship with Finn begins to collapse. 'the Apologetics' explores how shame and guilt complicate the dynamics between trans and cis men in sex, love, and friendship.

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The Apologetics

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: The Apologetics by Eka Savajol
    “

    It was so refreshing to come across a play about trans life that isn't solely about coming out, hate crimes or used to educated cis audiences. Reading this play just felt like being a fly on the wall as two friends talked their dating lives. Didn't need anything spelled out for me as was able to be engaged by these characters, their expertly crafted dialogue and the variety of storytelling methods utilized. The shifting narrators and switches between direct address and back and forth scenes kept me hooked the whole time.

    It was so refreshing to come across a play about trans life that isn't solely about coming out, hate crimes or used to educated cis audiences. Reading this play just felt like being a fly on the wall as two friends talked their dating lives. Didn't need anything spelled out for me as was able to be engaged by these characters, their expertly crafted dialogue and the variety of storytelling methods utilized. The shifting narrators and switches between direct address and back and forth scenes kept me hooked the whole time.

    ”

Awards

  • The Goldberg Play Prize
    New York University Tisch, Department of Dramatic Writing
    Winner
    2025