Monsters in Our Blood

by Rhiannon Ling

Acquired by 1319 Press - publication date, May 2026

Semi-Finalist, O'Neill Playwrights Conference 2023
Semi-Finalist, SheNYC Arts Summer Festival 2023
Finalist, NAPSeries 2023

A young girl's growing up. A mother uncertain what to make of her curious daughter. A pastor who thinks he's doing the right thing. Four forgotten goddesses. When the seven meet in an idyllic American town, a remembering occurs that will...

Acquired by 1319 Press - publication date, May 2026

Semi-Finalist, O'Neill Playwrights Conference 2023
Semi-Finalist, SheNYC Arts Summer Festival 2023
Finalist, NAPSeries 2023

A young girl's growing up. A mother uncertain what to make of her curious daughter. A pastor who thinks he's doing the right thing. Four forgotten goddesses. When the seven meet in an idyllic American town, a remembering occurs that will forever alter each of their lives. Presented in ten chronological vignettes, "Monsters..." explores what it means to be woman in a world designed for men.

read more
  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Monsters in Our Blood

Recommended by

  • Shaun Leisher: Monsters in Our Blood by Rhiannon Ling
    “

    Loved this passionate piece that blends mythology and modern-day to tell a story about women coming into their power.

    Loved this passionate piece that blends mythology and modern-day to tell a story about women coming into their power.

    ”

Character Information

  • Girl
    played by the same actor; a young woman ranging from ages 7 to 18; artistic, inquisitive, kind-hearted, immovable, powerful
    7 - 18
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Mother
    GIRL’s mother; a woman relearning her own strength; intelligent, unsure, loving, lost, resilient
    Late 20s-Early 30s
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Hekate
    the mother of witches; dark, kind, wise, sarcastic, a protector
    Ageless
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Lilith
    the original badass; sardonic, smart, independent, golden-hearted, a desperate helper
    Ageless
    Middle Eastern, North African, or South Asian
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Rhiannon
    the queen of fairies and witches; gentle, fierce, maternal, deadly, a mediator
    Ageless
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Bastet
    a lioness disguised as a house cat; witty, perceptive, grounded, loyal, a warrior
    Ageless
    Egyptian
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Asian, Pacific Islander, or Asian American,
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic,
      Middle Eastern, North African, or Arab American,
      Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander,
      South Asian or South Asian American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Pastor
    a smart, well-meaning, kind-hearted young man; believes so very much that he’s doing right
    20s-30s
    Male presenting
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Development History

  • Reading, The Rat, 2025
  • Reading, Zoom, 2020

Awards

  • NAPSeries
    Normal Ave
    Finalist
    2023
  • National Playwrights Conference
    The Eugene O'Neill Theater Center
    Semi-Finalist
    2023
  • SheNYC Arts Summer Festival
    SheNYC
    Semi-Finalist
    2023