“Trophy Boys,” a very deep and profound play currently having its U.S. premiere, looks at the sexes — how society is raising boys to view girls in a certain manner and often makes girls out to be more the victim. What’s so engrossing about this play is the use of blatant non-traditional casting because three female actresses are playing male roles and there is one male actor. These four characters are part of a private high school debating team, looking to win their final debate against their sister school, and the topic is “Feminism has failed women.”
The playwright, who also stars in the play, is brilliant at dissecting male and female roles in society. Emmanuelle Mattana demonstrates her clear understanding of gender roles, and of the stereotypical, demeaning ways that society has raised males to view females and the harm that can cause.
These young men start out very arrogant, sexually aggressive, and funny, but end up much more aware of their shortcomings. As this debate team — consisting of Owen, Mattana’s smart, focused and capable character; Scott, stunningly played by Esco Jouley; Jared, poignantly portrayed by Louisa Jacobson; and David, powerfully portrayed by Terry Hu — figures out their arguments to try to win the debate, the audience is taken on a revealing journey of the male psyche, the rules that society has dictated to young men, and the negative ways in which women are treated. The production also highlights how women hurt themselves when they buy into the weaknesses that society assigns them.
“Trophy Boys,” set in a detailed classroom, truly gives the audience a lot of food for thought, and also looks at the bonding dynamic between males and the negative behaviors that a young man may exhibit to his friends that are accepted until something goes wrong.
In addition to an intriguing storyline, incredibly effective non-traditional casting, and an uncensored look at the sexes, this magnificent play has stirring direction by Danya Taymor. The creative team of “Trophy Boys” includes scenic designer Matt Saunders, costume designer Marion Talan de la Rosa, lighting designer Cha See, sound designer Fan Zhang, and movement by Tilly Evans-Krueger.
“Trophy Boys” is playing at MCC Theater located at 511 W 52nd Street through Aug. 6.
This play has a tremendous and stunning message that needs to be experienced. For tickets, visit mcctheater.org.