A postmodern spoof where illegitimate children must perform a classic play to survive divine wrath and secure new identities.
Story Structure — 4 Plot Phases
Exile from Paradise
Marie-Noel and Zeus face mounting suspicion from neighbors regarding their unaging appearance. The US government's plan to convert their ranch into a national park forces the family into immediate relocation.
Key Events
Ranch Life — Illegitimate children live undetected on the ranch. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Channel Islands Ranch
Aging Suspicion — Neighbors grow suspicious of their lack of aging. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Channel Islands Ranch
Government Threat — US government plans to convert land into a national park. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Channel Islands Ranch
Forced Relocation — Family must leave their ancestral home due to external pressure. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Channel Islands Ranch
Gods Return — Twelve Greek Gods arrive in LA for relaxation. Characters: Zeus, HeraLocation: Los Angeles
Zeus' Ultimatum — Zeus commands the children to 'Act or die.' Characters: Zeus, Marie-NoelLocation: Los Angeles
Divine Ultimatum
The twelve Greek Gods return to Los Angeles, where Zeus issues a lethal command to his illegitimate children. The selection of Oscar Wilde's play establishes the central stakes for survival.
Key Events
Zeus' Ultimatum — Zeus commands the children to 'Act or die.' Characters: Zeus, Marie-NoelLocation: Los Angeles
Play Selection — Zeus selects The Importance of Being Earnest for performance. Characters: Zeus, Marie-NoelLocation: Los Angeles
Script Analysis — Characters study the play's plot modeled after their lives. Characters: Zeus, Marie-NoelLocation: Los Angeles
Performance Pressure — Flawless execution is required for credible new lives. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Hera's Jealousy — Hera's outrage over Zeus' infidelities fuels her wrath. Characters: Hera, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Death Threat — Hera vows to kill the children for failure or rebellion. Characters: Hera, Marie-NoelLocation: Los Angeles
Theatrical Ordeal
Rehearsals intensify as the play's narrative mirrors the children's real struggles. Hera's jealousy escalates, transforming the performance into a high-stakes trial where failure means death.
Key Events
Death Threat — Hera vows to kill the children for failure or rebellion. Characters: Hera, Marie-NoelLocation: Los Angeles
Rehearsal Begins — The illegitimate children begin practicing the play. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Script Mirroring — Play events parallel the children's real-life struggles. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Government Pursuit — National park developers close in on their location. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Divine Judgment — Gods observe the rehearsal with critical scrutiny. Characters: Zeus, HeraLocation: Los Angeles
Rebellion Temptation — Marie-Noel considers defying the deadly command. Characters: Marie-Noel, HeraLocation: Los Angeles
Survival Through Performance
Marie-Noel confronts the temptation to rebel against the deadly mandate. The flawless execution of the play ultimately neutralizes Hera's wrath and secures a new identity.
Key Events
Rebellion Temptation — Marie-Noel considers defying the deadly command. Characters: Marie-Noel, HeraLocation: Los Angeles
Play Climax — The performance reaches its dramatic peak. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Hera's Wrath — Hera prepares to execute the children as the play ends. Characters: Hera, Marie-NoelLocation: Los Angeles
Flawless Execution — The children complete the play without error. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
New Identity — Successful performance grants them credible new lives. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Hera's Defeat — Hera's lethal threat is neutralized by the flawless act. Characters: Hera, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Legacy Secured — The illegitimate line survives and integrates into modern society. Characters: Marie-Noel, ZeusLocation: Los Angeles
Story Breakdown
Ranch Exile Arc — The inciting circumstances forcing the protagonists from their isolated home.
Aging Suspicion — Neighbors notice the unnatural lack of aging.
Government Pressure — Land conversion threats accelerate the departure.
Divine Return Arc — The arrival of the gods and the establishment of the central conflict.
Gods Arrival — Twelve deities descend upon Los Angeles.
Zeus Command — The lethal 'Act or die' directive is issued.
Play Selection Arc — The choice of material and its thematic resonance with the characters.
Script Choice — Oscar Wilde's work is selected for performance.
Life Mirroring — The play's plot reflects the children's reality.
Performance Pressure Arc — The escalating demands and external threats during rehearsal.
Rehearsal Struggle — Intense practice under strict divine supervision.
Hera Wrath — Jealousy transforms into a direct death threat.
Rebellion Temptation Arc — Internal conflict and the risk of defying the divine mandate.
Defiance Risk — Protagonist considers breaking the deadly rules.
Fatal Consequences — The severe penalty for failure looms large.
Climactic Performance Arc — The final execution of the play and its immediate aftermath.
Flawless Execution — The performance concludes without error.
Identity Transformation — Success grants the children new credible lives.
Resolution Arc — The final settling of divine scores and narrative closure.
Threat Neutralized — Hera's lethal intent is successfully thwarted.
New Life Secured — The illegitimate line integrates into modern society.
A half-sister and brother, illegitimate offsprings of Zeus, are stranded on a Channel Island ranch and face eviction by the US Government. They must find a play fated by Zeus and perform it flawlessly for the gods' amusement. If they do not act well, they will die. Shot over a period of 10 years "12" is 1 part L.A. love story, "The Importance of Being Earnest", a pagan spoof, personal diary of LA disasters of the 90's, and an unforgettable adventure about characters in search of themselves.
