Shadow of the Son by Kate Leslie

Eternity is a long time to live by someone else's rules.

Artemis is the goddess of the moon, and her brother, Apollo, is the god of the sun. Expected to live up to the ideals of the immortals, Artemis longs for freedom and the opportunity to chart her own path. But when she builds her own world away from that of her father, has she simply traded one set of impossible expectations for another?
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Shadow of the Son

Recommended by

  • Brayden Frascone:
    30 Apr. 2021
    “ A beautifully constructed, and joyfully complex look at the lives of twin gods Artemis and Apollo, and the relationships that shape their view of eternity. Leslie's characters flow gorgeously through space and time to tell a full and complete story of love, longing, the price we pay for happiness, and how long forever truly is. The world needs a fully realized version of this play. Artistic Directors everywhere, take note. ”
  • Anne G. Morgan:
    3 Feb. 2021
    “ A fresh, theatrical, and utterly compelling play built from ancient Greek myths. The nonlinear structure invites audiences to engage more deeply in the storytelling. ”
  • Paul Gabbard:
    23 Aug. 2020
    “ A strong sense of musicality and powerful central female characters that take you on a journey with questions and answers. A great example of magical realism contextualizing Greek mythology for today. This play is also a great teaching tool for educators. Enjoy. ”

5-6 F (she/her)
3-5 M (he/him)
1 NB (they/them)
ARTEMIS (she/her); goddess of the moon; strong and independent but hopes to please
APOLLO (he/him); god of the sun; friendly but cocky; wants to be the center of attention
LETO (she/her); Mother of Apollo and Artemis; Patient and steady; so much more than just a mother - but no one ever asks her about that
ZEUS (he/him); Father of Apollo and Artemis; arrogant and confident; used to being in charge; can't imagine that anyone would ever be angry at him
NYAH (she/her); attendant of Artemis; Iphigeneia; innocent and curious; the little sister of the bunch
BRI (they/them) attendant of Artemis; Britomartis; cynical and practical; tries to be realistic so that they are never disappointed
DAPHNE (she/her) attendant of Artemis; nymph; kind and nurturing; loyal; a peacemaker
KALLIE (she/her) attendant of Artemis; Callisto; fiercely independent; brave even when she's unsure
ORION (he/him) friendly and sweet; carefree and interested in having a good time
NIOBE (she/her) a proud woman; Queen of Thebes; (can double with Daphne)
HYACINTHUS (he/him) lover of Apollo; naive and optimistic; (can double with Orion)
ACTEON (he/him) a hunter; (can double with Orion)

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Hollins University
    ,
    2020
  • Workshop
    ,
    Auburn University at Montgomery
    ,
    2020

Production History

  • University
    ,
    Hollins University
    ,
    2021

Awards

Semi-Finalist
,
Shakespeare's New Contemporaries
,
American Shakespeare Center
,
2020