RED EMMA & THE MAD MONK

by Alexis Roblan

Mystics, anarchists, Russians and “snowflakes” swirl in this sinister, absurd new musical about political action and what it means to stand up for one’s beliefs in the face of oppression, confusion, and “interference.”

In the first few months of 2017, 12 year-old Addison has a lot of questions about the world — and very little parental supervision. Her best (imaginary) friend is a turn-of-the-19th-century...

Mystics, anarchists, Russians and “snowflakes” swirl in this sinister, absurd new musical about political action and what it means to stand up for one’s beliefs in the face of oppression, confusion, and “interference.”

In the first few months of 2017, 12 year-old Addison has a lot of questions about the world — and very little parental supervision. Her best (imaginary) friend is a turn-of-the-19th-century Russian mystic, and her favorite pastime is fighting with deplorables on the internet. But when Addison starts to learn about another turn-of-the-century Russian — the American immigrant and Anarchist, Emma Goldman — she begins questioning the meaning of political action and just how far we should go to fight oppressive systems.

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RED EMMA & THE MAD MONK

Recommended by

  • Tiffany Antone: RED EMMA & THE MAD MONK

    Ooh, this is SO good. So much to dig into, wild story with delicious characters, all while asking us to dive into the DEEP questions. Love the challenge to look in the mirror that the play issues. Would love to see this on stage. Bravo.

    Ooh, this is SO good. So much to dig into, wild story with delicious characters, all while asking us to dive into the DEEP questions. Love the challenge to look in the mirror that the play issues. Would love to see this on stage. Bravo.

  • Erin Moughon: RED EMMA & THE MAD MONK

    One of my favorite plays. A magical trip between now and 19th century Russia with whipsmart commentary on our politics and political activism. You get so wrapped up in the songs and story and spectacle that you are truly sad when it ends. Funny, touching, dark, clever. There are not enough adjectives. Cannot recommend it enough!

    One of my favorite plays. A magical trip between now and 19th century Russia with whipsmart commentary on our politics and political activism. You get so wrapped up in the songs and story and spectacle that you are truly sad when it ends. Funny, touching, dark, clever. There are not enough adjectives. Cannot recommend it enough!

  • Cheryl Bear: RED EMMA & THE MAD MONK

    A brilliant piece about the political climate of the internet and activism as one goes through a gripping journey of the struggle to stand up. Well done!

    A brilliant piece about the political climate of the internet and activism as one goes through a gripping journey of the struggle to stand up. Well done!

Development History

  • Type Workshop, Organization Ars Nova (ANT Fest), Year 2017

Production History

  • Type Professional, Organization The Tank, Year 2018

Awards

  • Critic's Pick
    The New York Times
    Selection
    2018
  • Outstanding Production of a Musical
    New York Innovative Theatre Awards
    Finalist
    2019
  • Outstanding Full-Length Script
    New York Innovative Theatre Awards
    Finalist
    2019