Snakes: The True Hiss-tory of Medusa

by J.S. Puller

Greek mythology and pop culture have both painted a certain picture of Medusa, the feared Gorgon with snakes for hair, who could turn men to stone with just a look. Ask the snakes in her hair, though, and they'll be the first to tell you that most people get the story wrong. And it's their task to present the true hiss-tory of mythology's supposed baddie. From her early rejection of Poseidon's love, to her pleas to Athena for protection, to her ultimate encounter with Perseus, the Snakes reveal what really happened a long time ago, in a world unkind to girls with dreams.

$12.00
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Quick Details

  • Type: Play
  • Length: 60-75 minutes | Can be cut for competition
  • Availability: Available for productions worldwide
  • Cast Size: 11+ roles

Full Details

People

  • Medusa (F), the heroine of the story, a tragic figure who's often caught between forces greater than herself
  • Poseidon (M ), the God of the Sea, who pretends to be in love with Medusa, but really is just in love with himself
  • Euryale (F), Medusa's gentle, loving, older sister
  • Stheno (F), Medusa's stern, but deeply protective, older sister
  • Athena (F), the Goddess of War, defender of maidens
  • Hermes (U), a trickster god, known to help mortals when the mood suits them
  • Perseus (M ), a mortal hero, deeply protective of his mother, on a quest to save her

Snakes

*Note: Snakes may be played by actors of any gender, race, or ethnicity. It really doesn't matter. They're snakes. At the directors' discretion, snake roles may be combined, or additional, silent snakes can be added.
Neris, the narrator snake, who serves as a bridge to the audience

  • Eldus, a bitter old snake, quick to anger and slow to forgive
  • Philia, a spirited, optimistic snake
  • Romo, a snake in love with Medusa
  • Spaka, the self-appointed leader of the snakes, who's wise and thoughtful
  • Boa, the class clown of the snakes, who others tend to see as useless
  • Adder, the quietest of the snakes, who only utters one thought

The following resources are included in each performance license:
  • Permission to photocopy the PDF script for your production so there is no additional cost for these assets.

The following resources may be added to you license for an additional fee:
  • Logo/Media package

J.S. Puller

J.S. Puller is a playwright and author from the Windy City, Chicago. She has a master's degree in elementary education and a bachelor's degree in theatre from Northwestern University. She is an award-winning member of the American Alliance for Theatre and Education and has written about the social-emotional benefits of arts education with the University of Chicago Consortium on School Research. When not writing, she can usually be found in the theatre. She is the author of two novels, CAPTAIN SUPERLATIVE and THE LOST THINGS CLUB, both published by Little, Brown Books for Young Readers. She also has several published plays.

Learn more about J.S. Puller on her website or Linktree! 

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