Yen
"Much of the advance buzz around this MCC production... has been generated by the participation of the 20-year-old Mr. Hedges, who is making his theater debut. Mr. Hedges, you'll be happy to hear, is just as comfortable being uncomfortable onstage as he
Ben Brantley, The New York Times
Why see Yen?
Starring Oscar Nominee Lucas Hedges
British playwright Anna Jordan brings her 2013 Bruntwood Prize-winning play to the MCC Theater, exploring the themes of lost childhood and the affect it has on adulthood. Premiering in Manchester UK to rave reviews for 'beautiful empathy, and a humanity which stood out to all the judges' as described by the award judges, it has also been shortlisted for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize. This new production marks its USA premiere, and includes Lucas Hedges (Manchester by the Sea) amongst its cast.
What is it about?
The story centers around a pair of wayward and apathetic teenage brothers aged 16 and 13 respectively (played by Hedges and Justice Smith), and their faithful dog, Taliban. With an alcoholic mother out of the picture apart from when she visits completely intoxicated, the two brothers are fending for themselves, spending their days watching online porn and playing endless rounds of Call of Duty. Nothing else is worth living for.
Enter Jenny, a new young Welsh neighbor who takes a shine to their dog; at first the boys are suspicious and worried that her arrival will shatter their comfortable ennui. But as they get to know her, Jenny opens up a world full of possibility for the pair, something that was so lacking in their early lives, but not without tragic consequences for all involved. A poignant and damning indictment on the state of welfare kids in modern-day Britain, this play ultimately provides hope for even the most disenchanted.
Key Information
Audience
Run Time
Dates
Cast
Lucas Hedges
Ari Graynor
Stefania LaVie Owen
Justice Smith
Creative
Written by Anna Jordan
Directed by Trip Cullman
Reviews
Customer reviews
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