Caeneus and Poseidon by Bridgette Dutta Portman

Finalist, New Play Contest, Pride Films and Plays, 2013

[Full-length] A verse play inspired by the Greek myth of Caeneus, a young man who was assigned female at birth. After the sea-god Poseidon grants his wish for a traditionally masculine body, Caeneus feels compelled to hide his former identity from all but his closest friend, Hippodamia, as he seeks the acceptance of his kinsmen and community...
Finalist, New Play Contest, Pride Films and Plays, 2013

[Full-length] A verse play inspired by the Greek myth of Caeneus, a young man who was assigned female at birth. After the sea-god Poseidon grants his wish for a traditionally masculine body, Caeneus feels compelled to hide his former identity from all but his closest friend, Hippodamia, as he seeks the acceptance of his kinsmen and community. But as he and Hippodamia begin a relationship that challenges their society’s strict social order, and as a vengeful Poseidon works behind the scenes to bring about Caeneus’ downfall, the young man must find the strength to openly embrace his identity and his past.
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Caeneus and Poseidon

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear:
    5 Jul. 2021
    “ A terrific story giving light to the time old tale of struggling to exist as oneself when your identity pits you against the world around you. Well done. ”
  • Ky Weeks:
    30 May. 2021
    “ A play that gives much-deserved attention to the myth of Caeneus, that leans into the epic and fantastical nature of the story. The verse is well-written and fits right in with the setting and drama. Within the tale of Caeneus' struggle to simply exist as himself, a goal that pits him against loved ones and gods alike, is weaved strands of love, intrigue, and ambition, all of which add to the size of the world of the play. The way the Nereids are implemented is especially and fittingly magical, creepy, and honestly just really cool. ”

Character Information

Caeneus must be played by a transgender or nonbinary actor. In keeping with the play's theme of challenging traditional conceptions of gender, the playwright encourages the casting of other characters with trans and/or nonbinary actors as well.

  • Caenis/Caeneus
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Male (assigned female at birth)
    A young Lapith man, assigned female at birth.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Poseidon
    40s-50s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    God of the sea. Appears as a bearded, powerful man. Accustomed to getting his way.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Hippodamia
    20s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    A young Lapith woman; Caeneus' friend and later his lover.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary
  • Pirithous
    30s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    King of the Lapiths; engaged to Caeneus and later to Hippodamia.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Elatus
    50s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A Lapith chieftain; father of Caeneus.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Latreus
    30s-50s,
    Any
    ,
    Male
    A Centaur chieftain, rival of the Lapiths.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      30s, 40s, 50s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Male, Non-binary
  • Nereid Chorus
    20s-30s,
    Any
    ,
    Female
    At least two young women; handmaids to Poseidon.
    Can be played by:
    • Age: 
      20s, 30s
    • Race/Ethnicity: 
      Any race/ethnicity
    • Gender: 
      Female, Non-binary

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    City Lights Theater Company
    ,
    2014
  • Reading
    ,
    Playwrights' Center of San Francisco
    ,
    2013
  • Commission
    ,
    San Francisco Olympians Festival
    ,
    2012
  • Reading
    ,
    San Francisco Olympians Festival
    ,
    2012

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Dragon Productions Theatre Company (coproduction)
    ,
    2017

Awards

Winner
,
Production Grant
,
Arch and Bruce Brown Foundation
,
2017
Finalist
,
New Play Contest
,
Pride Films and Plays
,
2013