General Information and Character Analysis
Seven methods of killing Kylie Jenner is a contemporary play written by Jasmine Lee-Jones, a British writer and actress of Jamaican descent. Published in 2019, this comedy-drama alternates between real-life settings (primarily Cleo's bedroom) and the digital realm of Twitter, set in the present day.
The plot centers around Cleo, a young Black woman who posts provocative tweets suggesting methods to assassinate Kylie Jenner. These posts trigger intense online discussions, while Cleo's conversations with her best friend Kara bring long-buried issues to the surface, threatening their friendship.
Highlight: The play's unique style incorporates digital communication elements such as GIFs, memes, emojis, and acronyms (LOL, FFS, OMG), reflecting the modern online landscape.
The main characters are:
- Cleo Fuller: A 21-year-old dark-skinned Black woman characterized by her intelligence, eloquence, and strong awareness of racial issues. Cleo uses her Twitter platform to highlight discrimination against people of color, often employing academic language and poetic tweets.
Example: Cleo's tweets often resemble rap and poetry, showcasing her creative approach to online activism.
- Kara: Cleo's 22-year-old best friend, a light-skinned Black woman who identifies as queer. Kara serves as a counterpoint to Cleo, offering a more measured perspective on Cleo's provocative online behavior.
Quote: "You're not the only one who's suffered, Cleo. You're not the only one who's been through shit."
The play also references important figures such as Kylie Jenner, the target of Cleo's tweets, and Sarah "Saartjie" Baartman, a historical figure whose story exemplifies the exploitation of Black women's bodies.
Definition: Cultural appropriation refers to the unacknowledged or inappropriate adoption of minority cultures' practices and ideas by dominant cultures, often stripping away their significance or historical context.
