Degenerates

by Else Went

The boys are not doing so hot. In an obscure corner of the internet, they form a community on the bedrock of their shared and infinite miseries, offering each other proof that the game is rigged against men; it was over before it began, they will never be loved, better just to lay down and rot. When an unexpected relationship begins to unravel their dismal fraternity, the consequences of their fatalism are...

The boys are not doing so hot. In an obscure corner of the internet, they form a community on the bedrock of their shared and infinite miseries, offering each other proof that the game is rigged against men; it was over before it began, they will never be loved, better just to lay down and rot. When an unexpected relationship begins to unravel their dismal fraternity, the consequences of their fatalism are revealed—some may get out, and some may not. How much would it hurt to come alive again?

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Degenerates

Recommended by

  • Emmy Kuperschmid: Degenerates by Else Went
    “

    A riveting and devastating look at an often-talked about corner of the internet. Went grants these characters complexity and humanity without judgement--or forgiveness. Masterfully crafted and unflinching; I'd love to see this staged.

    A riveting and devastating look at an often-talked about corner of the internet. Went grants these characters complexity and humanity without judgement--or forgiveness. Masterfully crafted and unflinching; I'd love to see this staged.

    ”
  • Shaun Leisher: Degenerates by Else Went
    “

    An insightful look at a sub-culture that has been getting a lot of attention over the past few years. Really complex characters and lot of opportunities for creative sound and lighting design.

    An insightful look at a sub-culture that has been getting a lot of attention over the past few years. Really complex characters and lot of opportunities for creative sound and lighting design.

    ”
  • Hayden Pedersen: Degenerates by Else Went
    “

    A stunning portrait of disempowered characters navigating a moral Wild West. At once humanizing and cautionary, Degenerates offers an accessible glance into a massive, invisible subculture that has intoxicated and emboldened our socially vulnerable. Went crafts a remarkable, unflinching, urgent tale. Brilliant.

    A stunning portrait of disempowered characters navigating a moral Wild West. At once humanizing and cautionary, Degenerates offers an accessible glance into a massive, invisible subculture that has intoxicated and emboldened our socially vulnerable. Went crafts a remarkable, unflinching, urgent tale. Brilliant.

    ”
View all 6 recommendations

Character Information

The woman track, as well as bolded stage directions, should all be played live by the same actor
  • Miller
    A great talker.
    early 20s
    White
    Cis Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Kemp
    A young man with no dreams.
    early 20s
    African American / Black
    Cis Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Target
    A double edged knife.
    18
    white passing
    Pre-transition trans woman
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      Teens,
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
  • Serge
    A bitter divorcee.
    early 20s
    BIPOC Mixed race
    Cis Man
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American,
      Indigenous, First Nation, or Native American,
      Latinx/o/a or Hispanic
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male