"Seven Methods of Killing Kylie Jenner" is a powerful contemporary play that explores social media, race, and cultural appropriation through the story of two young Black women.
The play centers around Cleo, a university student who becomes enraged after seeing Kylie Jenner being named the youngest "self-made" billionaire. Through a series of provocative tweets, Cleo imagines seven different ways to metaphorically "kill" Kylie Jenner, sparking intense online debates about privilege, beauty standards, and cultural exploitation. Her best friend Kara tries to reason with her, leading to deep conversations about their own experiences with racism, colorism, and identity in the modern digital age. The play uniquely incorporates social media language, memes, and digital culture while addressing serious themes about how Black culture is commodified and appropriated.
Written by Jasmine Lee-Jones, this groundbreaking work uses innovative theatrical techniques to blend online and offline worlds. The characters Cleo and Kara represent different perspectives on dealing with systemic racism and cultural appropriation - Cleo through direct confrontation and anger, while Kara takes a more measured approach. The play's analysis reveals layers of commentary on how social media both empowers and constrains Black voices, while exploring friendship, authenticity, and the impact of white beauty standards on Black women's self-image. Through its experimental format and raw dialogue, the play challenges audiences to confront uncomfortable truths about racism, privilege, and cultural theft in contemporary society. The work has garnered significant critical acclaim for its bold approach to addressing these complex social issues through the lens of modern digital culture and youth perspective.
