FAG~GODS: A Mythic Camp Comedy by John Bavoso

FULL-LENGTH: (First Draft) After being ousted from Mt. Olympus by his children/fellow deities for being a PR nightmare, a modern-day Zeus finds a kindred spirit in Sissy Fuss, the burnt-out proprietress of a Greek mythology-obsessed drag club in Athens, GA. While they're hiding away from the world and Sissy attempts to teach the king of the gods lessons about consent and toxic masculinity, Zeus’s children...
FULL-LENGTH: (First Draft) After being ousted from Mt. Olympus by his children/fellow deities for being a PR nightmare, a modern-day Zeus finds a kindred spirit in Sissy Fuss, the burnt-out proprietress of a Greek mythology-obsessed drag club in Athens, GA. While they're hiding away from the world and Sissy attempts to teach the king of the gods lessons about consent and toxic masculinity, Zeus’s children begin inserting themselves in the affairs of the kings and queens floundering in the wake of their fearless leader’s departure. Can Sissy and the rest of her house make amends and find the divinity within themselves to stand up to their immortal interlopers before their chosen family is torn apart?

FAG~GODS is a comic romp through the realms of ancient mythology and modern culture, featuring punny drag names, painfully on-the-nose lip-syncing, and groan-worthy wordplay. It resides at the intersection of queerness and divinity and celebrates LGBTQ+ folx creating a new pantheon in our own image.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

FAG~GODS: A Mythic Camp Comedy

Recommended by

  • Daniel Prillaman:
    1 Feb. 2023
    “ Whether you are a fan of drag or Greek mythology (if both, you are not ready), Bavoso's divine comedy is filled to the brim with images, sequences, and bits that will remind you why you love theatre. I shudder to spoil any of it, but good god the puns alone. The puns! YOU ARE NOT READY. Despite that, I highly encourage you to dive into this epic of found family, themed lip-sync routines, and the destruction of the patriarchy. Thrilling, hilarious, and empowering. ”
  • Asher de Forest:
    25 Jan. 2022
    “ This play has everything! Part Mount Olympus meets the #MeToo era, part throwback "Let's put on a drag show!" scheme, all fun. Though it never takes itself too seriously, FAG~GODS is whip-smart, surprisingly wholesome, and absolutely fabulous. ”
  • Cheryl Bear:
    3 Jan. 2022
    “ A modern day tale that teaches the gods some important lessons long overdue. Will they be able to make a change and find their way through? ”

Character Information

Other than ZEUS (because he’s clearly a white dude), all roles can be played by actors of any race/gender identity/ability. The cast should reflect the diversity of the modern world.

  • SISSY FUSS
    30s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    A Southern-fried drag queen/Greek mythology obsessive. Late 30s or 40s. As much of a stage mother as a drag mother. Trying desperately to inject a little “culture” into the scene. Generally fabulous and too much, because sometimes stereotypes are true.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • ZEUS
    40s-50s,
    White
    ,
    Male
    King of the gods. Wielder of thunder and lightning, both real and metaphorical. White man in his 40s or 50s. Charming and volatile; toxic masculinity in divine form. Having difficulty changing with the times. Overall, a PR nightmare.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s, 60s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      White
    • Gender: 
      Male
  • ATHENA
    30s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    Goddess of wisdom and warfare. 30s, but may read older. Serious to a fault. Would totally take over the group project. A little bit butch. (This actor also plays SIR BEARUS.)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • APHRODITE
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    Goddess of love, beauty, and pleasure. Late 20s or 30s, but may read younger. Glamourous, posh, and aloof, but far more aware and cunning that anyone gives her credit for. (This actor also plays DADDY LUSS.)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • APOLLO
    30s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    God of music, poetry, and the sun. 30s. Typical fuckboy with an acoustic guitar (a liar with a lyre?). Too busy thinking about “the universe” to remember to pay his rent. Wears sunglasses at night. (This actor also plays PEGGY SIS.)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • HERMES
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    Messenger of the gods and known trickster. 20s. Embodiment of every Boomer stereotype of a Millennial/Gen Z-er. Glued to his smartphone. More interested in drama and gossip than current events. (This actor also plays ANNE BROZIA.)
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • SIR BEARUS
    30s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    A drag king and unrepentant flirt; doesn’t really care what kind of show he’s in as long as he’s getting attention/adoration and going home with the hottest woman in the room.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • DADDY LUSS
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    A drag king who acts as the de facto stage manager/mother hen for the rest of the Ganymede’s Grotto crew.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • PEGGY SIS
    30s-40s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    A drag queen; SISSY’s second in command who has her sights set on being first in command. Wants to take the club in a more mainstream direction to draw bigger crowds.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender
  • ANNE BROZIA
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Any
    A young drag queen just starting out. Deeply devoted to SISSY, who she views as a mentor/mother. Earnestly believes in the power of drag to change the world.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      Teens, 20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Any gender

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Baltimore Playwrights Festival
    ,
    2023

Production History

Awards