Kayfabe

by Madison Mondeaux

Eric, a closeted gay professional wrestler, can literally transform himself into Viktor Cain, his flamboyant in-ring persona. Through Viktor Cain, he feels the freedom to explore his queer identity, revel in the love-hate adoration of the crowd, and express himself in ways he doesn’t allow himself to in real life. But when a budding secret romance with up-and-coming babyface Adrian Mercury disrupts the balance...

Eric, a closeted gay professional wrestler, can literally transform himself into Viktor Cain, his flamboyant in-ring persona. Through Viktor Cain, he feels the freedom to explore his queer identity, revel in the love-hate adoration of the crowd, and express himself in ways he doesn’t allow himself to in real life. But when a budding secret romance with up-and-coming babyface Adrian Mercury disrupts the balance between Eric and his persona, Viktor Cain decides that he ought to be in charge, both in and out of the ring. As the boundary between the ring and the real world blurs, Eric must confront the parts of himself he’s learned to hate, or relinquish his life to Viktor Cain.

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Kayfabe

Recommended by

  • Greg Lam: Kayfabe by Madison Mondeaux
    “

    The term "Kayfabe" is the pro wrestling term for the agreed upon belief in fictional elements necessary for the entire enterprise to work. It's my favorite word.

    Mondeaux's play is an engaging, insightful look at both sides of that term. The main character acts in Kayfabe the truth he's unable to live in his life. Set in 1980's territory days of 'rassling, the pro wrestling dramaturgy is absolutely immaculate and playfully explained to newbies. The details chosen to evoke this world are sublime.

    The term "Kayfabe" is the pro wrestling term for the agreed upon belief in fictional elements necessary for the entire enterprise to work. It's my favorite word.

    Mondeaux's play is an engaging, insightful look at both sides of that term. The main character acts in Kayfabe the truth he's unable to live in his life. Set in 1980's territory days of 'rassling, the pro wrestling dramaturgy is absolutely immaculate and playfully explained to newbies. The details chosen to evoke this world are sublime.

    ”

Character Information

Requires 7 actors, ranging from ages 20 to 60+. All characters are men, but may be played by actors of any gender.

Viktor Cain may be played by a seventh actor throughout, or may be played by the actor playing Eric until scene 8.
  • Eric
    A pro wrestler working as Viktor Cain. When he isn’t performing, there’s a certain gentleness about him, like a big dog who thinks he’s a little dog. Gay and deeply closeted.
    20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
  • Viktor Cain
    The vampiric heel persona Eric wrestles under. Dramatic, decadent, and absolutely dripping with queer subtext. A campy, musclebound Bela Lugosi, if you will.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
  • Stan
    A promoter and talent scout. Formerly known as Stanislav “The Roaring Russian” Ivanov, now just known as Stan. Not actually Russian.
    60s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
  • Jerry
    A veteran pro wrestler and fan favorite face, working as Cowboy Jerry Jackson. Staring down the barrel of either retirement or career-ending injury.
    30s or 40s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s,
      40s
  • Bruce Magnum
    A mid-tier heel. Same sense of humor as a 12-year-old.
    20s or 30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
  • Ivanhoe
    A mid-tier face who can’t seem to get over with the fans. Lofty aspirations.
    20s or 30s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
  • Adrian
    An up-and-coming pro wrestler who has just signed to the network. Wrestles as Adrian Mercury, a face. Gay and closeted.
    20s
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s

Development History

  • Residency, Fresh Ink Theatre, 2025

Production History

  • Workshop, Fresh Ink Theatre, 2026