By: Darryl Reilly
Feminism Has Failed Women is the topic that four elite male prep school seniors will be debating against female counterparts in Australian playwright Emmanuelle Mattana’s topical satire Trophy Boys. The conceit is that we are in a classroom as the upper-class boys prepare their arguments. There are personal revelations, ideological clashes over gender, and an anonymous, unnamed Instagram allegation of sexual abuse leveled against one of them. Ms. Mattana displays a command of dramatic writing during her 70-minute tract. Depending on one’s sensibility one may find the play to be scintillating or excruciating. Zeitgeist, intersectionality, patriarchy, and transgressive, are among the contemporary buzzwords included in the often-jokey dialogue.
Adding a meta dimension to the show is that the four male teenagers are broadly portrayed by a biologically non-male cast. This magnetic quartet consists of Terry Hu, Louisa Jacobson, Esco Jouléy, and Mattana. Director Danya Taymor’s physical staging has the actors in motion and expertly placed. Movement director Tilly Evans-Krueger’s grating sequences have the performers jumping up and down on desks and there are dance numbers involving vulgar gyrations accompanied by crimson hues.
Scenic designer Matt Saunders’ authentic classroom is richly detailed. Cha See’s lighting design achieves realism through steady brightness and there are occasional fantastical flourishes. Sound designer Fan Zhang sharply renders the booming musical bits and effects. Gray shorts, blue blazers and shirts, and red-striped ties, are the elements of Márion Talán de la Rosa cool costume design.
Trophy Boys debuted in Australia; this American premiere is presented by the MCC Theater. Audience members in agreement with the ultra-progressive cultural views expressed in it should be entertained and stimulated by this stage worthy production.
Trophy Boys (through July 27, 2025)
MCC Theater
Susan and Ronald Frankel Theater, 511 W 52nd Street, in Manhattan
For tickets, visit www.mcctheater.org
Running time: 70 minutes with no intermission