Incel Play Explores Dark Internet Corners

The play "Degenerates," premiering at Playwrights Horizons, dives into the dark online world of "incel" communities. Originally coined by a woman in 1997 to describe her own involuntary celibacy, the term was later co-opted by men who used it to express misogyny and nihilism.

The production, directed by Emma Rose Went, researches and represents the language and ideology prevalent in these forums. It highlights how a once-obscure internet term has become a skin-crawlingly mainstream concept, sparking reactions of horror or a sense of aging.

"Degenerates" bravely explores themes of bodily shame and suffering, examining the psychological impact of identifying as "unlovable." It questions what happens when love is offered to individuals whose identity is predicated on such a belief and the potential for violent self-reconstruction.

The play features a cast of five, with a central duet between characters Miller and Target, representing the online and eventual real-life interactions within their group. It stages desire and sex, exploring the cataclysmic potential when a body is taught to loathe itself and is then offered a way out.

While the play excels in depicting the characters' yearning and emotional intensity, its final act faces challenges in resolving the complex plot. However, "Degenerates" is celebrated as gutsy theater, ultimately demonstrating that seeing truly is an act of love, countering the hatred that acts as a cataract.