Out of the Box

by Isabel Erger

A group of Barbie dolls come to life, each representing different stereotypes and societal expectations. As they come to life, they express dissatisfaction with their roles and the limitations imposed on them. The Barbies initially embrace the various roles assigned to each other, but ultimately reject them, realizing their worth beyond the confines of the Barbie box. The play confronts themes of identity...

A group of Barbie dolls come to life, each representing different stereotypes and societal expectations. As they come to life, they express dissatisfaction with their roles and the limitations imposed on them. The Barbies initially embrace the various roles assigned to each other, but ultimately reject them, realizing their worth beyond the confines of the Barbie box. The play confronts themes of identity, societal pressure, and the commodification of beauty and perfection.

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Out of the Box

Character Information

  • Corporate Barbie
    Corporate passionately champions Barbie dolls as symbols of empowerment but reveals a darker agenda, expressing disdain for critics and admitting to using Barbies to enforce societal standards and control.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s,
      40s,
      50s,
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Poet Barbie
    Poet is disillusioned with societal standards and corporate agendas, she defies expectations and embraces her own imperfections and outspokenness, seeking authenticity over the unattainable notion of perfection.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Pop-Star Barbie
    Pop-Star Barbie is a disillusioned performer trapped in a cycle of exploitation and societal pressure, yearning to break free from the constraints imposed upon them.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman,
      Non-binary
  • Princess Barbie
    While enthusiastic and hopeful, she ultimately experiences disillusionment and grapples with the pressure to conform to societal expectations before defiantly asserting her individuality and rejecting the confines of her preconceived role.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Ballerina Barbie
    A conflicted and disillusioned doll, Ballerina is grappling with societal pressures, body image expectations, and the loss of her identity amidst the demands of being a dancer Barbie in the real world.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Barbie
    Empathetic and supportive, Barbie is acknowledging societal pressures and encouraging Ballerina to redefine her expression of dance and find her own voice amidst the expectations placed upon her.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Ken
    Dismissive and somewhat disconnected from the conversation, Ken demonstrates a lack of empathy towards Ballerina's struggles and a tendency to withdraw from challenging situations.
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man,
      Non-binary
  • Allan
    Allan is a willing participant to assist in Ballerina’s dance.

Development History

  • Reading, University of Central Oklahoma, 2024

Production History

  • University, University of Central Oklahoma, 2024