Interview with Else and Emma Rosa Went on Degenerates
Overview
Degenerates, a new play at New York’s Playwrights Horizons, explores complex themes of involuntary celibacy, masculinity, and the intersectionality of various online communities. The playwright-directors, Else and Emma Rosa Went, delve into the consequences of toxic masculinity through a narrative that juxtaposes desire and societal rejection.
Setting the Scene
The play begins with a visually striking scene in a cluttered bedroom, representing a youthful and chaotic environment. Set to the industrial sounds of SOPHIE’s “MSMSMSM,” it captures an uncomfortable intimacy, prompting a mixed audience reaction.
Conceptual Foundations
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Theme Exploration: Degenerates presents a shift from the Wents’ previous work, Initiative, by focusing on the experiences of young individuals in a Discord channel dedicated to discussions around incel culture. The play emphasizes the harsh realities faced by men abandoned by societal norms and how these environments breed hostility.
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Inceldom and Mental Health: Else Went discusses the interplay between incel communities and trans individuals in online spaces, highlighting parallel experiences of self-hatred and existential dread.
The Taboo in Theater
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Interest in the Forbidden: Else shares that their fixation on taboo topics stems from a quest to understand human psychology. They view theater as a “container” allowing for deeper exploration of uncomfortable subjects, which can help audiences confront and process these themes in a communal space.
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Audience Reception: Both Went and Emma note the surprise among audiences—particularly younger viewers—who struggle with the intimate nature of certain staged scenes. Emma emphasizes that many do not feel permission to engage with erotic themes in art.
Generational Perspectives on Sexuality
Emma attributes today’s generational discomfort with sexuality to the pervasive culture of social media and peer surveillance, which can inhibit authentic experiences and expressions of desire.
- Authenticity in Desire: Elaborating on the hesitation young audience members feel, Emma cites a disconnect between societal ideals and personal desires—highlighting that authentic sexuality often clashes with political correctness or societal expectations.
Who Should See Degenerates?
Else advocates for trans women to experience the play, stating it encapsulates the nuanced complexities of gender. They aim to present the harsh realities of navigating masculinity and femininity in a world that often overlooks these narratives.
Final Thoughts on Transformation
Both Else and Emma conclude by stressing that Degenerates isn’t a straightforward incel narrative but rather a trans coming-of-age story. They highlight the small “miracles” of self-actualization and the necessity of engaging with others to fully understand oneself.
Closing Poem Reflection
To wrap up their discussion, Emma shares a poignant Mary Oliver poem about loneliness and the search for connection, reinforcing the play’s thematic exploration of emotional vulnerability and the pursuit of genuine relationships.
For those interested in challenging and thought-provoking theater, Degenerates promises an unflinching look at the intersections of identity, desire, and societal rejection, inviting audiences to confront their own biases and assumptions head-on.
