My Niche

Hi! My name is Justy DeForest (ge/gem/geir). I’m a genderfluid, Trailblazing English speaking poet/playwright, choreographer, performer, and educator committed to forwarding social and linguistic justice through the arts. As a dramatist, I have found my niche in revisiting Ancient Greek myths and Celtic legends and reengineering their iconic characters and challenges in the light of evolutionary reality and progressive values in order to explore how we can be our best selves at this pivotal point in the 21st Century.

My Characters

My “ancient time, modern mind” plays are peopled by an array of characters representing groups needing more visibility onstage and often maligned offstage. I hope actors and audiences alike will recognize themselves in the strong femele, sensitive male, self-aware gender-variant, and spiritually diverse protagonists who power the action of the plots with dignity, courage, and conviction. I believe affirming the rich tapestry of humin identity and experience makes for a stronger society, not a weaker one. This vision steers my personal and artistic endeavors.

My Aesthetic

Considering the subject matter I love to work with, my approach to drama has been more influenced by Sophocles than Chekhov. My plays are not quiet drawing room dramas in which “Everygen” characters leave as much unsaid as said. Rather, they are high-stake verbal sparring matches, reminiscent of Antigone versus Creon, played out in the public square by larger-than-life characters. For actors looking to test their chops on meaty roles in this bold, direct “Say what you mean” style, I make several of my scenes and monologues available on this website free of charge to individuals for use in acting classes or as audition pieces. Go to the New Monologues & Scenes with Archetypal Themes page of this website to see the list of performance pieces currently available.

My Language

Trailblazing English (TE) uses sometimes renovative, sometimes innovative, but always ethical and inclusive vocabulary and spelling to promote linguistic justice. Visit the Trailblazing English Overview page of this website to learn more about the Trailblazing English Movement and the words I use to honor humin dignity on- and offstage. — Because implementing Justice includes just language, too!