Black Feminist Video Game

Show Info

written by Darrel Alejandro Holnes
directed by Victoria Collado
game design by Cookout Games

with Christon Andell, Kyla Jeanne Butts, Starr Kirkland, Darrel Alejandro Holnes, Constance Fields, Phillip Patrick Wright, Michael Diamond, Mia Anderson, and Brandiss LaShai Seward

Enter Jonas: a biracial teenager with autism. Jonas broadcasts all aspects of his life online, including a disastrous first date with his crush, Nicole. Desperate to regain her affections, he dusts off a long-ignored gift from his mother—a classic 2D “Black feminist video game”— hopeful that the game will grant him the key to winning Nicole back. But Jonas soon discovers that, with only the Game Master and his friend Sabine to guide him, he must confront his own misperceptions of the women in his (real) life, or risk losing not only the game but also his first chance at love. In this mashup of live performance, video game design, and online interaction, Jonas and Sabine stream their play on Twitch, video-chat, and find their path through the game together. Along the way, you’ll help (or hinder!) their progress by responding in real time to the choices they make. 

BLACK FEMINIST VIDEO GAME follows close on the heels of The Civilians’ smash hit RUSSIAN TROLL FARM, which was heralded by The New York Times as one of the ten best shows of 2020. For this digital premiere production, tech expertise and artistic innovation are once again brought together for a unique online theatrical experience. This production is a national collaboration with presenters 59E59 Theaters Plays in Place Program, Center Theatre Group, Oregon Shakespeare Festival and co-commissioner Williams Center for the Arts, Lafayette College.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday, April 30
Join BLACK FEMINIST VIDEO GAMEwriter Darrel Alejandro Holnes, director Victoria Collado, and actors Christon Andell (JONAS) and Kyla Jeanne Butts (SABINE) for a post-performance conversation immediately following the Friday, April 30^th livestream performance. You’ll have the opportunity to ask members of our creative team and cast about the process of creating this unique show!