Athena

Athena and Mary Wallace are two teenage fencers training for the Junior Olympics. They practice together and compete against each other, but they wish they were friends. The play was published to coincide with the UK premiere at The Yard in London in October 2021.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 80 pages
\n Publication date: 04 October 2021
\n Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
\n

In a bustling New York City fencing club, two young warriors prepare for an epic clash. Athena and Mary Wallace, two talented fencers, are training vigorously for the upcoming Junior Olympics. They spend countless hours together, honing their skills and pushing each other to the limit. Despite their intense competition, they yearn for a deeper connection, longing to be friends rather than rivals.

Written by the acclaimed playwright Gracie Gardner, this powerful coming-of-age comedy follows Athena and Mary as they navigate the treacherous waters of class, competition, and power. With its extended run in New York and a successful UK premiere at The Yard in London in October 2021, "En Garde" has captivated audiences with its raw and relatable portrayal of teenage angst and the pursuit of excellence.

Athena, a driven and ambitious student, is determined to win at all costs. She comes from a privileged background and has been groomed for success from a young age. Her fencing skills are unmatched, and she has a fierce determination to prove herself in the world of competitive fencing.

Mary, on the other hand, is a more relatable character. She comes from a working-class family and has faced numerous challenges throughout her life. Despite her circumstances, she has a natural talent for fencing and a fierce determination to succeed. She is driven by her love for the sport and her desire to prove herself to her family and friends.

As they train together, Athena and Mary form an unlikely bond. They challenge each other's beliefs and perspectives, forcing them to grow and evolve as individuals. They learn to respect each other's strengths and weaknesses, and they begin to see each other as more than just competitors.

However, their journey to the Junior Olympics is not without its obstacles. They face fierce competition from other talented fencers, and they must navigate the politics and drama that come with being part of a fencing club. They also struggle with their own personal demons, including self-doubt, anxiety, and the pressure to succeed.

Through their struggles, Athena and Mary learn valuable lessons about self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of friendship. They realize that success is not just about winning medals but about personal growth and fulfillment. They also learn that true friendship is not based on competition but on support and understanding.

In the end, only one can win the Junior Olympics, but Athena and Mary have already won something much more valuable: a deep and lasting friendship. They have learned that true success is not measured by external achievements but by the connections we make with others and the impact we have on their lives.

"En Garde" is a powerful and inspiring play that reminds us of the importance of pursuing our dreams and the value of friendship. It is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the power of perseverance in the face of adversity. Whether you are a fencer or not, this play will leave you inspired and uplifted.

\n Weight: 74g\n
Dimension: 294 x 167 x 9 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9781350300606\n \n