Degenerates
Elsa Went’s last play "Initiative" was a five-hour epic about a group of high school students from their first day to graduation. "Degenerates," her new play being given its world premiere currently at Playwrights Horizons, is about another tight knit group, the incel community, that is young men who cannot find a romantic or sexual partner even though they want one. This three-hour play is difficult, challenging and has characters who are either unpleasant, unlikeable or extremely damaged. The play also includes much jargon (the script comes with a three-page glossary) that many theatergoers won’t know. Ultimately, the play is powerful and emotional but it takes quite a while to get there. These are men who consider themselves degenerates as they are unable to find a satisfactory relationship. It might be based on early traumatic experiences, bullying or low self-esteem. They have compared themselves to Chads (men who are attractive to women) and found themselves wanting. They are sure that the system is rigged against them and have stopped even trying to meet anyone. Some them hardly go out, while other contemplate suicide. [more]