Medusa, Modern Woman

by Lizzy Santana

Everyone has heard of the mythological figure Medusa. Everyone knows that she was a villain with snakes for hair and a gaze that could kill. But is that really her story? What is known of us is only a sliver of our reality. This play explores the untold history of Medusa, and how her story is not so unlike the stories of women in the modern day.

Everyone has heard of the mythological figure Medusa. Everyone knows that she was a villain with snakes for hair and a gaze that could kill. But is that really her story? What is known of us is only a sliver of our reality. This play explores the untold history of Medusa, and how her story is not so unlike the stories of women in the modern day.

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Medusa, Modern Woman

Recommended by

  • Susan Middaugh: Medusa, Modern Woman by Lizzy Santana
    “

    Imaginative retelling of the story of Medusa from her point of view. Crisp dialogue. I loved the reference to "temple etiquette" and the classes they hold about it. I saw a reading of this play at the 41st annual William Inge Festival in Independence, KS. Brava, Lizzy!

    Imaginative retelling of the story of Medusa from her point of view. Crisp dialogue. I loved the reference to "temple etiquette" and the classes they hold about it. I saw a reading of this play at the 41st annual William Inge Festival in Independence, KS. Brava, Lizzy!

    ”
  • Mindy R. Roll: Medusa, Modern Woman by Lizzy Santana
    “

    Wow. I was captivated by this play from the very beginning. Brilliantly written, smart and powerful, packs an emotional punch. And I absolutely loved the chorus. I have thought about this play many times since seeing it.

    Wow. I was captivated by this play from the very beginning. Brilliantly written, smart and powerful, packs an emotional punch. And I absolutely loved the chorus. I have thought about this play many times since seeing it.

    ”
  • John Mabey: Medusa, Modern Woman by Lizzy Santana
    “

    In MEDUSA, MODERN WOMAN, Lizzy Santana crafts such an exciting play combining Greek mythology with a nuanced and modern view of Medusa. There's so much here for directors and performers to explore as a familiar character comes alive in new ways through a different lens. I had the joy of watching this piece come alive during a reading at the William Inge Theatre Festival and can't wait to see where it goes next.

    In MEDUSA, MODERN WOMAN, Lizzy Santana crafts such an exciting play combining Greek mythology with a nuanced and modern view of Medusa. There's so much here for directors and performers to explore as a familiar character comes alive in new ways through a different lens. I had the joy of watching this piece come alive during a reading at the William Inge Theatre Festival and can't wait to see where it goes next.

    ”
View all 4 recommendations
2 - 3M, 4F

MEDUSA, wronged and misunderstood. Female.

ATHENA, Goddess of wisdom and warfare. Female.

PERSEUS, a young warrior, challenged with the task of killing Medusa. Male.

POSEIDON, God of the sea, Medusa’s destroyer. Male.

STHENO, an older sister of Medusa, a Gorgon, immortal. Female.

EURYALE, another older sister of Medusa, a Gorgon, immortal. Female.

IPHICLES, Medusa’s one and only love. Male.

The roles of PERSEUS and POSEIDON may be portrayed by the same actor.

Development History

  • Reading, Kennedy Center American College Theater Festival (Region 6), 2025
  • Reading, William Inge Theatre Festival, 2024