Fat Actress/Ugly Model: And Other Destructive Labels for Women

by Bella Poynton

When ex-binger Daphne realizes she’s put on a few pounds, her internal panic is further
perpetuated by the offer of a well-paying acting gig as a fat character. Meanwhile, Daphne’s best friend Jess is struggling to overcome anorexia, but is met with her own difficult casting conundrum. Jess has landed a major print add, but only due to her gaunt, overly thin face. Both Jess and Daphne must come to terms with the...

When ex-binger Daphne realizes she’s put on a few pounds, her internal panic is further
perpetuated by the offer of a well-paying acting gig as a fat character. Meanwhile, Daphne’s best friend Jess is struggling to overcome anorexia, but is met with her own difficult casting conundrum. Jess has landed a major print add, but only due to her gaunt, overly thin face. Both Jess and Daphne must come to terms with the fact that they may never be perfect ingenues, and each woman is confronted with a major decision: take the job and boost their career—or denounces the commercially minded world all together.

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Fat Actress/Ugly Model: And Other Destructive Labels for Women

Recommended by

  • Jon Herbert: Fat Actress/Ugly Model: And Other Destructive Labels for Women by Bella Poynton
    “

    This is a very important play about a pretty serious issue. And yet, Bella balances the seriousness with such lightness and humor. The pacing of the play is nimble and quick. The characters are complicated and endearing. The moments of direct audience address are a wonderful motif that helps sustain engagement. The ending is very satisfying--somewhat ambiguous, somewhat hopeful, and very sweet.

    This is a very important play about a pretty serious issue. And yet, Bella balances the seriousness with such lightness and humor. The pacing of the play is nimble and quick. The characters are complicated and endearing. The moments of direct audience address are a wonderful motif that helps sustain engagement. The ending is very satisfying--somewhat ambiguous, somewhat hopeful, and very sweet.

    ”
  • Jillian Blevins: Fat Actress/Ugly Model: And Other Destructive Labels for Women by Bella Poynton
    “

    Bella Poyton's comedy about eating disorders & beauty standards doesn't preach or offer easy answers. Led by complex, spiky female characters, Fat Actress/Ugly Model... feels like a feminist answer to Neil LaBute, exploring the messy ways patriarchy, media, & internalized misogyny manifest in our interpersonal relationships & shape our realities. With a darkly funny edge that will have you unsure whether to laugh or cringe, the play saves any sentiment for Daphne & Jess' authentic friendship.

    Bella Poyton's comedy about eating disorders & beauty standards doesn't preach or offer easy answers. Led by complex, spiky female characters, Fat Actress/Ugly Model... feels like a feminist answer to Neil LaBute, exploring the messy ways patriarchy, media, & internalized misogyny manifest in our interpersonal relationships & shape our realities. With a darkly funny edge that will have you unsure whether to laugh or cringe, the play saves any sentiment for Daphne & Jess' authentic friendship.

    ”
•Daphne – F, mid 20s. An ex-binge eater. Voluptuous.
• Jess – F, mid 20s. A woman with anorexia-nervosa
• Sam – M, mid 20s. Daphne’s fiance. A big guy, but not particularly in shape. Preferably Latinx.
• Johnny – M, late 20s. Jess’s boyfriend. Gorgeous, blonde, tall. A runner.
• Dr. Rykert – F, 35-45, Jess’s Psychiatrist
• Sally Deebs – F, 30s, a casting director (can be played by the same actress playing Dr. Rykert)

Awards

  • Woodward/Newman Drama Award
    Finalist
    2015