Else Went’s “Degenerates” at Playwrights Horizons Explores Incels and Online Isolation

Else Went’s newest play, “Degenerates,” directed by Emma Rosa Went at Playwrights Horizons, kicks off with Kemp, a young man reaching out to a suicide hotline, feeling like he'll always be alone. The story then shifts to a Discord support group where Miller, who harbors misogynistic thoughts about a former classmate, leads discussions. His group includes Kemp, Target—an agoraphobic anime fan and streamer—and Serge. The stage is split between Miller’s dark den and Target’s lively, neon space. As the play progresses, Miller and Target’s relationship deepens amid their struggles with femininity. The cast includes Zachary Desmond as Miller and Christopher Dylan White as Target, using modern slang throughout. The review praises the emotionally powerful third act.