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. But as he and...

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: Caeneus and Poseidon

    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.

    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: Caeneus and Poseidon

    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.

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

Development History

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

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization Dragon Productions Theatre Company (coproduction), Year 2017

Awards

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